The Prime Minister says he is confident the Conservative party will be cleared of any wrong-doing over allegations about election expenses in South Thanet.

On a visit to Kent to campaign for the UK to remain in the EU at this month’s referendum, he said he believed the party could answer all the questions being asked.

His comments came just days after a court ruled Kent Police should have more time to probe the claims concerning expenditure in South Thanet last May.

The ruling has opened the door to the possibility that there could have to be a re-run of the battle for South Thanet at the election, where Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay defeated UKIP leader Nigel Farage.

The party is facing claims it failed to properly report expenses associated with the costs of bringing down teams of activists on battle buses and hotel accommodation.

They were first raised by Channel 4 news and if proved, could put the party in breach of election spending rules. The party has denied any wrongdoing and insists it has complied with the rules.

Mr Cameron, who was visiting the Faversham-based Shepherd Neame brewery, told the Thanet Extra:

“I am confident that we can answer all the questions being asked, specifically on the battle bus. All political parties have run buses on a national basis and that is what we did.”

A ruling by district judge Justin Barron at a hearing at Folkestone Magistrates court rejected an attempt by the Conservatives to block Kent Police from having more time to probe the claims.

In his conclusions, Mr Barron said: “The combination of circumstances before me is wholly exceptional and goes far beyond the usual circumstances that would exist in a typical case where election expenses are being investigated.”

There was “very significant public interest in the matter being fully investigated,” he added.

“The consequences of a conviction would be of a local and national significance with the potential for election results being declared void.”