UKIP are fielding a record 10 candidates in May 7’s district election. Rob McNeill-Wilson, candidate for Campden Vale, joined Ukip in 2007. He told reporter Jack Pitts why this could well be the party’s moment.

 

Nigel Farage’s party does not have party whips or leaders so their councillors do not have to follow the party line and can vote the way they like.

Rob, however, volunteered to speak on behalf of the Ukip group

Until 2007 when he joined Ukip, Rob had never been affiliated to a party.

Just three weeks ago he was convinced by Ukip parliamentary candidate Chris Harlow to stand as one of the party’s councillors.

 “What motivated me to join Ukip is what was happening nationally, the main thing being restoring sovereignty to our country,” Rob said.

“If Ukip didn’t exist then I would have invented it.”

Rob is a firm believer in lowering tax, promoting small businesses and maintaining defence spending.

“One of the areas I’m particularly motivated by is small, local business and I think our emphasis on reducing car parking charges and supporting local business is really important,” Rob said.

Foreign aid spending, however, should be cut.

“Our priority should be on our country, if people want to spend their own money on charity that is their choice.”

Rob is a church warden in his town of Willersey and has lived in the Cotswolds for 23 years.

“It’s an area I really love and I roam all over it with my dog, it’s an area I really care about.”

This could be Ukip’s year. Rob believes that 50 per cent of the ten councillors could be elected on May 7.

“I think we could surpass a lot of expectations. We are still making a start but we think people are ready for real change.”