UK Independence Party expects gains when new European Parliament elected in May

LONDON – The UK Independence Party claims its support is growing throughout Britain ahead of European Parliament elections in May.

The upstart party led by Nigel Farage hopes to capitalize on anti-European Union and anti-immigrant sentiments.

At public meetings at the end of its two-day conference in southwest England on Saturday, Farage said UKIP is winning voters tired of the political elite.

The party has 13 members in the European Parliament, with hopes of gaining more of the 73 available on May 22. It does not hold seats in the British Parliament.

Farage's base consists primarily of voters who believe Britain has ceded too much of its decision-making powers to European bureaucrats.

Its leaders say Britain must withdraw from the EU and take control of its borders.