An election watchdog has approved an application by comedian Al Murray to register his party in the general election.

The decision has infuriated Ukip leader Nigel Farage, who said the Electoral Commission should be shut down.

The party fears that in a tight contest in the Thanet South seat, where Mr Farage is standing, the combined votes for fringe parties and candidates could prove decisive in the outcome.

They believe the closeness between UKIP and FUKP could confuse voters at the ballot box.

But while Al Murray has been told his Free United Kingdom Party is now formally registered, he has been told the party logo cannot be used on ballot papers as it is too similar to Ukip’s own.

On posters and other election material, the comedian has been using an inverted pound sign, which the commission says may not be used on ballot papers.

In a statement, the Electoral Commission said: “We concluded that this party name, if used on a ballot paper, was not likely to lead to electors confusing it with another registered party.

"At the same time we refused to register the emblem that the Free United Kingdom Party is currently using for campaigning purposes.

"This is clearly similar to UKIP’s registered emblem and as a result we judged that there was a clear risk of voter confusion.

"The party may use this emblem in other contexts but it may not use it on ballot papers. The acronym FUKP will also not appear on the ballot paper."

A Ukip spokesman said: "Murray is likely already well over campaign spending limits considering his billboard and full page ad in the Metro.

"He’s obviously mocking the residents of Thanet by using them as a publicity stunt for his comedy tour. Most residents seem quite annoyed at this."

But Al Murray hit back, saying: “Another party leader has suggested abolishing the Electoral Commission for allowing FUKP to run in South Thanet.

"We firmly disagree. The more the merrier. At last, serious competition in the constituency.”