An Indian immigrant standing for Ukip in Thursday's local elections insists the party is not "playing a card" by including him as a prospective candidate.

Father-of-four Babychan Thomas, of The Heights, is standing in the Seasalter ward and if elected, hopes to improve transport links in the area.

The 44-year-old migrated from India 15 years ago and claims the party's immigration policy is misrepresented in the media - and it is not racist.

The nurse, who works at Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital, says he is the first Indian to stand for Canterbury City Council.

He said: "People say they are playing a card but that's not the case.

"I am the one who entered Ukip and I am the one who asked for it – they interviewed me and it's absolutely up to me to do it.

"I am with Ukip and I can tell my fellow candidates and family that they are all really down- to-earth people and want to do something for the people.

"People say they are playing a card but that's not the case... They interviewed me and it's absolutely up to me to do it..." - Babychan Thomas

"They are treating me like I am one of them."

Mr Thomas lives with his wife and four children and, if elected, aims to improve transport in Seasalter. He added: "Transport is a problem in Seasalter.

"So many people have to go to the health centre (on Estuary View) and don’t have proper access to it.

"Elderly people are concerned about travelling through Church Lane and I would make that road at least double lane to really help the elderly people go and see their GPs."

Mr Thomas says he has visited 3,000 homes in Seasalter in the run up to the local elections and he would also focus on improving bus services, as well as more facilities and activities for children.

He added: "Some of the media are trying to put them down and keep them in a low profile which is not really good.

"The media are misguiding some of the people which is not really right.

"I am a member of Ukip now and it will be interesting for people to know that being an immigrant I am standing here.

"It's a party like any other and is not doing anything wrong.

"We are trying to do something good for the people."

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