David Cameron appeared to dismiss the threat of the UK Independence Party - branding it a 'political initiative'.

During a visit to Norfolk the Conservative Party leader said he would tell Norfolk activists to hold their nerve and pull together, adding that 'polls come and go'.

A huge surge of support for UKIP in the local council elections led to the so-called 'rainbow alliance' of Labour and Liberal Democrats at Norfolk County Council, supported by UKIP. And a recent general election poll – commissioned by UKIP – showed that Nigel Farage's party was second behind Labour in Great Yarmouth, with the Tories coming third.

Mr Cameron, who met councillors, party activists and party chairs at the Maid's Head Hotel in Norwich during the visit to Norfolk on Friday, said: 'Here in Norfolk it proves the point - if you vote UKIP you get Labour. That is actually what has happened on your council. I think we have a very strong argument about what we are doing with the economy and for hard working people, we also have a strong political argument that you have to be careful what you vote for as you may end up with something you absolutely don't want.'

He said he would tell Norfolk activists, who he met at the Maid's Head Hotel in Norwich yesterday evening, 'the plan is working'.

'We have got to hold our nerve and pull together as we are doing the right thing for the country. Above all, you know, polls come and go and political initiatives come but what really matters is serving your country and doing the right thing,' he added.