ITV has been ordered to treat Ukip as a ‘major party’ in the run-up to the European  Parliament elections in May. In a landmark ruling, broadcasting regulator Ofcom last night said the anti-EU party’s success in previous Euro elections meant it should be put on a par with the other main parties. ITV and Channel 5, which are regulated by Ofcom, were ordered to grant Ukip ‘major party status’ in the run-up to May’s elections, guaranteeing it increased coverage. Broadcasting regulator Ofcom said the success of Nigel Farage's party in previous Euro elections meant it should be put on a par with the other main parties
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Ofcom rules ITV must treat Ukip as major party for European elections
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Decision means party will be granted the same number of party election broadcasts and Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats
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Move will fuel debate over how party is treated at General Election
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New poll reveals Ukip supporters more likely to be working class
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Populus survey examines lifestyle, family, race and wages of 14,000 voters
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The poll put Labour in the lead on 37 per cent, followed by the Conservatives on 33, @placeholder on 14 and the Lib Dems on 10.