The extent of Tory concern over the rise of Ukip has burst into the open as senior Conservatives demanded two referendums on Europe – the first next spring – in a bid to halt the rise of Nigel Farage's rampant anti-EU party.
Members of the Thatcherite No Turning Back group broke cover to call for the two-stage referendum package, after the Conservatives suffered heavy defeats at the hands of Ukip in Thursday's council elections.
While the Tories' loss of 335 seats was less than some party figures had feared, Ukip's surge to 23% of the vote – just 2% behind the Tories – reinforced their fear that Farage and his team could emerge as the largest party from next year's European elections.
Tories are increasingly concerned that, if they fail to act, Farage could go on to inflict serious damage on their prospects of keeping Labour out of power at the 2015 general election.
Read More: Tories call for rapid Europe vote to halt Nigel Farage surge | Politics | The Observer
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