CLACTON MP Douglas Carswell has refused to be drawn on whether he could return to the Conservative party he defected from two years ago.

Asked by The House magazine if he would consider going back to the Tories, he said: "I suspect the next general election will be in 2020, who knows what the world will look like then?"

He added: “I support the Government because it’s a Brexit Government. I want this Government to be a success.”

Mr Carswell told the Gazette that reports he was refusing to rule out a return to the Conservatives were "spin".

The Gazette asked Ukip's only MP if he would go on the record about his future plans, but he has not yet replied.

Ukip is holding another leadership contest after Diane James unexpectedly quit after just 18 days, leading the Nigel Farage's return.

The new leader will be announced on Monday.

Earlier today Mr Carswell tweeted: "Looking forward to Ukip pressing the reset button on Monday. New leader. New tone. Winning beyond the base."