We can become third biggest British party, claims Ukip leader after Lib Dems' Barnsley by-election bashing

Ukip spring conference starts today

Nigel Farage will set a target of overtaking the Liberal Democrats to become the third force in British politics by 2015

Nigel Farage will set a target of overtaking the Liberal Democrats to become the third force in British politics by 2015

Ukip leader Nigel Farage will today urge his party to use its strong showing in the Barnsley Central by-election as a 'springboard' for further success.

Speaking at the party's spring conference, Mr Farage will set a target of overtaking the Liberal Democrats to become the third force in British politics by 2015.

The rallying cry comes after Ukip secured a creditable second place behind Labour in the poll this week - its best performance in a national election.

We've proved it before in Euro elections but now we've come second in a by-election,' Mr Farage will tell delegates in Scarborough.

'This is not a one-off result, this is a springboard and we will go on from here to fight a thousand council seats and contest in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.'

In his first address since returning to the helm of the party, the MEP will insist controversies over granting prisoners the vote and hiking women's insurance premiums had made Ukip's Eurosceptic policies 'relevant' in the constituency.

'The EU is no longer an academic debate because it's affecting people in their everyday lives: it is now discussed by families at their dinner table,' Mr Farage will say.

Pointing out that the Lib Dems had plunged from second to sixth place in Barnsley, he will suggest that their support is waning across the country.

Mr Farage will add: 'The Lib Dems are no longer the voice of opposition in British Politics - we are. Between now and the next general election our aim is to replace them as the third party in British politics.'