Nigel Farage’s UK Independence Party has claimed another Labour scalp in Barking and Dagenham.

Cllr Tariq Saeed defected to Ukip on Wednesday after announcing his departure from the Labour party.

Barking and Dagenaham Ukip Forum chariman Peter Harris said he was “delighted” the Abbey Ward councillor had made the move.

He said: “We are extremely pleased to have somebody with Tariq’s experience join our party and agree to stand as a Ukip candidate in the election on May 22.”

He added: “Speaking as an ex-Labour party member and supporter, I personally feel that the Labour party have let down the working class.

“Let’s not forget that it was Labour that opened the doors to mass uncontrolled immigration.”

Cllr Saeed is the fourth councillor to defect from Labour to Ukip.