A UKIP candidate standing in next month’s parish council elections has taken to social media to outline a strange electoral strategy.

Martin Costello, who is standing in the newly enlarged Nythe, Eldene and Liden parish, encouraged voters to spoil their ballots by writing ‘no to parishes’ across them.

When challenged Mr Costello said his encouragement didn’t extend to his own supporters.

“If my supporters agree with my view on the parishing I’m sure they will vote for me,” he said.

“Fingers crossed all other areas will spoil their ballots in protest.”