Ukip ‘voter’ pictured in manifesto leaflet exposed as a worker for the party #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @i_amreginaldjr

NIGEL Farage yesterday dismissed as a “non issue” criticism that a “voter” in the UK Independence Party’s European election manifesto was actually one of his aides.

Lizzy Vaid, pictured in the manifesto, is an events manager and assistant to Nigel Farage [NC]

A full-page photograph of a young woman was printed in the document with the caption: “Lizzy Vaid, Devon.”

She was quoted as saying: “I’ll be voting Ukip because they’re the only party listening to what people want.”

But the manifesto failed to identify her as the anti-Brussels party’s events manager and assistant to the leader.

The row threatened to overshadow the launch of Ukip’s campaign for next month’s European elections.

Mr Farage brushed aside suggestions the manifesto picture of half-Indian Ms Vaid was also used to counter allegations of racism.

Speaking in Sheffield, South Yorks, he said he “did not see the need” to state she was an employee, adding: “She got a job with Ukip because she believes in what we stand for.”

She got a job with Ukip because she believes in what we stand for

Nigel Farage

Ukip also came under fire for posters highlighting immigration from the EU, part of a £1.5million advertising blitz funded by Eurosceptic businessman Paul Sykes.

One showed a massive finger with the message: “26 million people in Europe are looking for work. And whose jobs are they after?”

Labour MP Mike Gapes described the posters as “racist” and urged “decent” voters not to support Ukip.

But Mr Farage said: “To have an open door to 485 million from Europe means there is an influx of foreign labour into Britain, the likes of which we have never seen.

“These posters are a reflection of reality. We are a non-racist party. But I think it is the job of the British Government to put the interests of our own people first.”

Mr Farage was also forced to defend employing his German wife Kirsten as his secretary despite opposing foreigners taking British jobs.

He said: “I don’t think anybody else would want to be in my house at midnight, going through emails and getting me briefed for the next day.”