UKIP has set up a base in a former hairdressing salon from which to fight the General Election.

The party today (Thursday, March 5) officially opened its campaign shop at Lambton House, in Newbottle Street, Houghton-le-Street.

It will primarily be the headquarters of the party’s candidate in the Houghton and Sunderland South constituency Richard Elvin.

He was joined at the launch by Jane Collins, the UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire who will contest Rotherham Central on Thursday, May 7.

She is facing legal action from hree Labour MPs over comments she made about the Rotherham sex abuse case.

Mr Elvin, who is the UKIP regional chairman in the Northern-East, said the campaign shop would be used by the party’s candidates for other seats on Wearside.

Candidates for Hetton Town Council and the 20-plus seats on Sunderland City Council would also be using it.

“If I win it will be there forever,’’ said Mr Elvin, “but we have taken it on temporarily.

“It is base for my campaign workers and for all the Wearside branch members so they can use it hot-desking, and it will help in their campaigns.

“It is a fully-equipped, professional office for our campaign.

“Anybody who wants to call in, have a chat with me or the office workers, or pick up some literature, is welcome to.”