SIR – The high number of UKIP candidates is the most notable feature of the May 2 elections, as even the leftwing New Statesman admits.

And the local numbers reflect national trends, with the party fielding 42 candidates in Worcestershire, only seven less than Labour, and significantly more than the Lib Dems.

The UKIP tally is a threefold increase from the 14 candidates it fielded last time round.

Though remarkable, this surge is not as surprising as it might seem.

Alongside its recent byelection successes in Corby, Rotherham and Eastleigh, UKIP has gained more than 30 new councillors this year.

That might seem strange for a party often portrayed as interested only in Europe and immigration.

Events have proved the party right on those subjects, of course.

But its local government policies are popular in their own right, with its emphasis on efficiency and value for money, real local democracy, protecting the countryside and ending the senior management gravy train.

The fact that UKIP is fielding record numbers of candidates means more people than ever will have the chance to vote for a genuine alternative to the established parties.

Regardless of the outcome, that is a major achievement for UKIP, a small, grassroots party.

STEVE DAVIS

UKIP, Worcester