Nigel Farage hails 2016 as the year 'little people asserted themselves'

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage has said the "revolution" of 2016 is far from over following the vote for Brexit and the election of Donald Trump.

The MEP said 2016 will be looked back on as the year the "little people decided they would assert themselves and could actually beat the establishment".

He was visiting Sleaford, Lincolnshire, ahead of a by-election on Thursday where the Conservatives are defending a majority of more than 24,000.

When asked if Ukip candidate Victoria Ayling stands a chance of winning, Mr Farage said: "I don't know, it's 2016, why predict anything?

"Only an idiot predicts things in 2016 because it's been so full of upsets.

"It's a big opportunity for voters to say to the Prime Minister: we voted for Brexit, we didn't vote for hard Brexit, we didn't vote for soft Brexit, we voted for Brexit... and would you please get on with it."

Mr Farage spoke to reporters in the market town and posed for pictures with party activists before heading to the Solo Bar, where he was bought a pint of Bombardier ale.

Speaking about his plans for the new year, he said: "Trump becomes president on January 20 and his incoming administration think that I have a very positive role to play between our two countries.

"At the moment, 10 Downing Street doesn't seem to think that.

"To me, that's a shame because I genuinely think we have an anglophile president coming in on January 20, a big opportunity to completely reset the relationship after the Obama years."

Also standing in the by-election in Sleaford and North Hykeham are Jim Clarke for Labour, Dr Caroline Johnson for the Conservatives and Ross Pepper for the Liberal Democrats.

David Bishop of the Bus-Pass Elvis Party, independent Sarah Stock, Marianne Overton of the Lincolnshire Independents, and The Iconic Arty-Pole of the Monster Raving Loony Party will also be standing, along with Paul Coyne and Mark Suffield.