WYCOMBE MP Steve Baker has dismissed UKIP Leader Nigel Farage's suggestion he should defect from the Conservatives.

Tory backbencher Mr Baker voted in favour of a referendum on the UK's relationship with the European Union, winning favour with Euro sceptic Mr Farage.

Mr Baker was one of 81 Tory rebels who voted against the Governmentn last month, despite warnings from senior party figures.

The vote was lost by the rebels but was seen as a significant protest, nonetheless.

Former Princes Risborough parliamentary contender Mr Farage, whose party want the UK to leave the EU, saluted Mr Baker's stance.

But he added: “By staying in the Conservative Party, MPs such as Mr Baker are fighting a losing battle and if he wished to join a party who believes as he does, that the people should decide their own future, he should join the UK Independence Party.”

Mr Baker gave the offer short shrift.

“People often ask me to defect to UKIP. It isn’t going to happen,” he said.

"My interests, like the public’s, are far broader than just the European Union.

“I believe it is the Conservative Party which best encapsulates those values which will deliver prosperity and progress for our great country."

Mr Baker has also insisted the Tory party is united in its desire to change its position in Europe, despite the split over the House of Commons motion on the referendum.