PRIME Minister David Cameron has called on Clacton voters to return to the Conservatives.

When asked why voters in Clacton had backed Ukip rather than the Tories in last October’s by-election, he said: “People in a by-election want to send a message and register a strong view – and I completely understand that.

“People have been frustrated about issues like immigration and they want more action taken.

“People want a guarantee that they will get a choice over the European referendum.

“And also, frankly, over the last seven years since the crash hit it has been difficult. People have lost jobs. People have seen livelihoods squeezed.

“But now is decision time for who runs the country in the next five years.

“Now is not the time for protests and messages. Now is the time for the serious decision about which is the right team to run the country.

“The people in Clacton could play a decisive role – this is a very close election. There are 23 seats between the Conservatives and an overall majority. And Clacton could be one of those 23 seats.”

Read the full exclusive interview with the Prime Minister in the Clacton Gazette, out now.