Mick Davies' letter extols the apparent virtuousness of those running as independents for Malvern Hills District Council.

Who knows, some or all of them may well be virtuous and pure, with their central and only desire to serve the good people of Malvern.

There is an inference in Mick's letter that those standing under the banner of their party, as I am, must be concerned more with party politics than the concerns and issues affecting local people.

Since I represent UKIP, the only national party which instructs its local councillors and candidates to act in a way they feel is most appropriate for the local people they represent, I do not have to be concerned about my transparency and honesty in standing under my party's banner.

I do, however, have to question why those with party affiliations would wish to hide them from the electorate.

Do local people not have a right to know the political leanings of somebody asking for their vote?

I am certain that the people of Malvern, just as those in any other town, are more than capable of recognising that just because a councillor is red, or blue, or purple, does not mean that he or she will act other than in accordance with the wishes of those trusting him or her with their vote.

Furthermore, does hiding that affiliation make one any more trustworthy than one who declares it?

There is one final consideration, and that is the presumption of something laudable in denying or hiding political affiliations for some greater good, when in fact, it could be because an individual feels he or she stands a greater chance of being elected by declaring themselves 'independent', which is then all about political expediency, isn't it?

Will Richards

UKIP Malvern