Leader of the House of Commons, William Hague visited Sandwich today with Conservative candidate for South Thanet Craig Mackinlay.

They were met at the train station by leader of the House of Lords, Baroness Stowell and Baroness Wheatcroft as well as other supporters.

They then took a walk to St Bart’s chapel where they were greeted by trustees of Sandwich United Churches who oversee the running of the church.

Mr Hague spoke with Cllr John Bragg about the system in the alms houses surrounding the church. This means older people in the district who are in need can be housed there.

Mr Hague said: “This is living history. It’s an existing community keeping up traditions that go back centuries. It’s a tremendous community for the local people to be able to live in so I pay tribute to the trustees who are making it possible to continue this.”

Cllr Bragg said: “It’s open to people who live in the district, not just the town. It’s for people who are in need or require accommodation for one reason or another who don’t fit in the state system, which can let people slip through.”

Mr Hague said the campaign with Craig Mackinlay has been going very well.

He said: “Everybody knows him, everybody knows he works very hard for the local area and there’s a chance here that people can get themselves a really fine, new member of parliament.”

On the subject of Nigel Farage and Ukip, Mr Hague said: “This is the sixth constituency that he’s stood in around the country, which is very different from Craig’s local knowledge. I think Craig is in a position to be a good, local MP.

“I also think that if people voted for Ukip this would put us into chaos in the House of Commons because we would end up with a Labour government propped up by Scottish nationalists and that would be a disaster for the UK and for the economy. So the answer to that is to have a Conservative majority and by voting Conservative in a seat like this people can help make that happen."

Mr Hague and Mr Mackinlay were joined by trustees and residents in the chapel who aired some of their views on local issues before taking a walk to town to visit the Guildhall’s court room.

Earlier in the day, Mr Hague visited Thanet with Mr Mackinlay to meet potential voters.