By Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor PUBLISHED: 04:05 EST, 29 April 2013 | UPDATED: 12:48 EST, 29 April 2013 Boris Johnson today warned the Tories not to ‘freak out’ at the rise of the UK Independence Party, days before crucial local elections. The London Mayor said UKIP’s leader Nigel Farage was a ‘rather engaging geezer’ whose ‘pint and cigar and sense of humour’ appeal and anti-EU policies should not mean bad news for the Conservatives. But Mr Farage sought to escalate the row between the two parties, hitting back at claims that his party is supported by ‘racists’ and dismissing revelations about online rants by candidates as 'silly things' posted after they have 'been to the pub'.
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London Mayor says Tories must relax about UKIP's 'pint and cigar' appeal
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UKIP leader Nigel Farage accuses Tories of losing the argument
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Admits candidates say 'silly things' online 'after they've been to the pub'
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Labour plans to block UKIP from TV leaders' debates ahead in 2015
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Analysis suggests a £120billion budget black hole in UKIP's manifesto
He said he was sure that ‘most of the @placeholder people are perfectly nice when they are having a drink’ but added: ‘It is very tempting to vote for a collection of clowns or indignant, angry people, who promise that somehow they will allow us to take your revenge on people who caused it.’