THE Tory MP who this week dramatically defected to Ukip yesterday formalised his resignation, sparking a by-election in his Clacton constituency which he will contest as Nigel Farage’s candidate.

Known troublemaker Douglas Carswell, who was told to “f**k off and join Ukip” by fellow Tory Claire Perry in 2012, took the stewardship of the Manor of Northstead — one of two anachronistic offices MPs can take up if they wish to step down.

Commentators ridiculed Mr Farage’s management of the defection after Clacton’s existing Ukip candidate Roger Lord told reporters he had “no intention” of stepping down.

The party’s spokesman soon clarified its candidate would be selected by the national executive and not the local branch.

But in a farcical right-wing switcheroo, Mr Lord told radio station LBC that he would consider defecting himself — to the Tories.

“It’s gotta be a damn good deal, a damn good deal,” he said.

“It’s a possible, but we shall see.”