Ukip's hopes of regaining Rochester and Strood on May 7 have been hit by a poll that predicts Mark Reckless will be beaten.

According to the MailOnline, the former Tory - who won the seat at a by-election in November - is trailing Conservative rival Kelly Tolhurst.

The news comes on the back of another survey which suggests Ukip leader Nigel Farage is facing his own battle to win South Thanet.

However, Mr Reckless has rubbished the report, saying in a tweet this morning: "No source no date no pollster."

Ms Tolhurst, who also contested the seat in November, is on track to overturn Mr Reckless's 2,920 majority.

The MailOnline reports that Ukip, which has denied commissioning the report itself, will not publicise the polling data for fear of demoralising party members and supporters.

Mr Reckless became Ukip's second MP after he followed Douglas Carswell in defecting from the Tories last year.

Mr Carswell is expected to retain his seat in Clacton, Essex.