UKIP has announced its third parliamentary candidate for North West Hampshire in the past two weeks.

By any standards this shows the local party in meltdown.

Diane James was a candidate of national note. She declined the challenge, a centrally appointed candidate was then replaced in a local coup.

Tony Hooke was elected as a UKIP county councillor. He has used the media, always aiming for maximum controversy, while achieving limited results. In between resigning twice he was leader of UKIP on the county council, fully supporting Diane James until a couple of weeks ago.

Who are the mystery independent dozen standing for TVBC? Are they ex-UKIP or more imports from Yateley?

Barry Chant, Winterdyne Mews, Andover