THERE has been an increase in the number of UKIP members in Worcester – and the chairman says that's due to the party being the only one united over Brexit.

The United Kingdom Independence Party's membership in Worcester grew from 37 people in April to 54 this month.

Owen Cleary, chairman of UKIP Worcester, said: “I think it’s probably because of the fact that we appear to be the only party that’s united in our support of a true Brexit. On average, we’ve received a new member each week since the spring. During the same period, national membership increased from 19,000 to 23,000.

“Whilst the Conservatives are split on Brexit and Labour split on anti-Semitism, UKIP is focused.”

He also attributed the party’s success to its use of social media.

James Stanley, chairman of Worcester Conservative Association, said that his party is also growing locally.

He said it was undeniable that there were different opinions about Brexit among local members.

However, he added: “Our membership is up on a comparable period. I think the vast majority of the party believe in respecting the will of the people. I don’t see that as a split, it’s a natural state of affairs that people have different views.

“We are not dismissive of those with very strong views – some have decided to join UKIP.”

Mr Stanley added that he did not know of any local members who had defected to UKIP.

The city councillor said many young people are joining the party, although he could not provide figures because membership is counted nationally, not locally.

He also revealed plans to launch an official Worcester Young Conservatives group, to cater for the new recruits, in September.

City councillor Richard Udall said: “Labour in Worcester is completely united on anti-Semitism: we are opposed to it. There was a recent vote in the county council on the subject and Labour voted unanimously to support the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.”

He said UKIP’s membership numbers paled in comparison to Labour.

Political donor Arron Banks tweeted 'well done chaps' in response to a tweet by UKIP Worcester, which revealed its membership increase.