Norman Smith
Assistant political editor

UKIP's victory was in many ways even more impressive than their triumph in Clacton. The ease with which they demolished a 9,000 Tory majority was striking and this after the Conservatives had strained every sinew to halt the UKIP bandwagon. UKIP now insist that no Tory seat is safe and have suggested other Conservative MPs are more likely to defect.

BBC political correspondent Robin Brant tweets, external: In short @ukip march conts with comfy win in non target seat, Tories humiliated despite huge effort.

Tony Cowin in Southport tweets, external: Lib Dems only win around 5% of the votes compared to The Green Party. Guess which one is invited to join the GE debates? #RochesterandStrood

It was a good night for the Green Party too - it outpolled the Lib Dems by almost five to one, moving into fourth place and almost trebling its share of the vote.

Tim B tweets, external: As a Labour supporter, I would've considered voting tactically for UKIP in #RochesterandStrood

Image source, Reuters

Following the country's latest by-election, here's a pictorial look back at by-election battles since 2010.

Former Tory Mr Reckless says he "would encourage people in the Conservative Party and in the Labour Party to come over and join us in UKIP."

Mark Reckless says he has a "good majority" and adds: "It's a good basis to go into May. I'll be doing everything I can in the constituency and beyond."

Stephen Lees tweets, external: As a lifelong Tory I have to admit that, despite the less than inspiring delivery, that was a good speech. #RochesterandStrood #bbctw

Rob Watson, UK political correspondent, BBC World Affairs Unit: "It's less of a splash perhaps than winning their first elected MP, but it's still a big deal. What's not clear is whether this is a protest vote that will disappear at the general election next May, as the main parties hope, or whether something more profound is happening in British politics.

Image source, Reuters

UKIP leader Nigel Farage leads his party's celebrations.

John Middleton in Wolverhampton tweets, external: Mark reckless wins the #RochesterandStrood by-election, and what a great speech by Mr Reckless at the end to round off a great day.#UKIP

Mr Shapps adds: "During the course of this campaign the gap's closed. I think we've ended up with about a 7% lead for Mark Reckless. They were predicting something over twice that level so 2,900 is not a big majority now to try to win back in 170 days time."

Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps tells the BBC he is disappointed with the result but there are different circumstances in a by-election. He says it is not a big majority to try to win back.

Ian Ferguson tweets, external: #RochesterandStrood by-election....wow. Tories are in some serious trouble in May if this is any indication

This is what Mark Reckless said in his victory speech: "Thank you to the thousands from UKIP who gave up your time to campaign for me. I wish I had the words to express how grateful I am. This is your victory. As you savour it, think of this, Rochester and Strood was our 271st most winnable seat. If we can win here we can win across the country. If you vote UKIP you get UKIP."

Mark Reckless tells the BBC's This Week: "I'm pleased the people of Rochester and Strood have spoken."

Full result: Mark Reckless (UKIP) 16,867 (42.10%), Kelly Tolhurst (C) 13,947 (34.81%, -14.39%), Naushabah Khan (Lab) 6,713 (16.76%, -11.70%), Clive Gregory (Green) 1,692 (4.22%, +2.69%), Geoff Juby (LD) 349 (0.87%, -15.39%), Hairy Knorm Davidson (Loony) 151 (0.38%), Stephen Goldsbrough (Ind) 69 (0.17%), Nick Long (PBP) 69 (0.17%), Jayda Fransen (Britain 1st) 56 (0.14%), Mike Barker (Ind) 54 (0.13%), Charlotte Rose (Ind) 43 (0.11%), Dave Osborn (Pat Soc) 33 (0.08%), Christopher Challis (Ind) 22 (0.05%)

Mark Reckless: "We must be a party that speaks to and for the whole nation and all those who live in it."

Mark Reckless: "The radical tradition has found a new home in UKIP. It's UKIP that represents the concerns of most working men and women."