WATCHING the Wales results coming in should give the present parties great concern at the rise of UKIP. Not a bad thing for the electorate as at last they will have more voting choices.

In Newport UKIP were so close to winning, very close behind Labour with 10,000-plus votes. No sign of the Lib/Dems or others. These are amazing results. Like them or not, UKIP not only have become a political force, but also a lot of public backing for their approach on some of the major issues, including European membership and immigration.

These are touchy issues which all parties keep telling us there are no problems. This voting suggests that this is not the case. Wouldn’t it be strange if Newport council became UKIP controlled at the next city elections!

Jim Dyer Stockton Road Newport