UKIP still have a place in politics locally and nationally but their reason for not putting forward candidates to fight in the general election does not ring true, according to an elections expert.

Last week branch chairman Ron Levy confirmed the party would not be putting forward a candidate in Colchester and urged supporters to lend their vote to Conservative Will Quince to help deliver Brexit.

Essex University politics professor Paul Whiteley said rolling out the tactic in some areas but not others was puzzling.

He said: “The local election results were a real meltdown for UKIP - they lost everything and the squabbling in other parts of Essex does not help.

“Saying they have chosen not to put in candidates in Colchester and Witham because the seats are held by Brexiteers does not hold up.

“They are trying to fight against Bernard Jenkin in Harwich and North Essex who is strongly pro-Brexit and other similar seats in the region.

“I think they are trying to positive gloss on some candidates not wanting to stand this year but I do not think the party will disappear.

“There will always be a constituency for them by people who are left behind in deprived areas where people feel forced out of jobs by people from the EU.

“It may be a good idea for them to rebrand and even change their name.

“The other reason it will not go away is because of the large following similar parties have in Europe.

“Marine Le Pen lost the French election but got 11 million votes - it is highly significant.

“I do think there is a role for them in the future locally and nationally.”

Before candidates for the snap election were announced, prof Whiteley suggested the Liberal Democrats would rally, but not enough to usurp Mr Quince, and he believes it is still the case.

He said: “Sir Bob Russell was always very good at looking after his constituents which will stand him in good stead.

“But the Conservatives are still well ahead in the polls and it will be tough for him to win in Colchester on the back of that context.

“People have talked about a landslide victory and I don’t think it will be, but I do expect it to be comfortable nationally.

General Election Top Trumps special starts page 13.