The UK Independence Party (UKIP) is this election’s unknown quantity.

It is counting on what it sees as voters’ disaffection with Liberal Democrat rule, and Tories’ opposition to it, to swing results its way.

And though chairman Vic Bellamy says he is “not a betting man”, he rates the chances of his 19 candidates.

Mr Bellamy, a painter and decorator, hopes for wins in Chessington and Tolworth, as well as Berrylands, where residents are “fed up with the council”, he said.

He said: “I wouldn’t predict how many seats but I think we’re in with a good chance.

“[Conservatives and Liberal Democrats] think they’re going to walk it. Confidence can sometimes be an Achilles’ heel.

“I go to these meetings and I sit there, and I think, ‘You’re not doing anything.’”

Key planks of UKIP’s manifesto include lowering council tax by £250, ending council use of zero-hour contracts and trimming executive pay to save cash.

It also proposes stricter regulation of care homes, with unannounced inspections and a living wage for carers.

Carers should speak fluent English, as should other workers like parking wardens, the party says.

Mr Bellamy, who is standing in Chessington North and Hook, said: “They’re there to help. So therefore you’ve got to communicate with them.

“Especially with dementia patients, because they tend to be in their 60s, 70s, 80s.”

Mr Bellamy’s personal business website emphasises his credentials as an experienced local tradesman, in contrast to “here today, gone tomorrow” cowboys such as “Del-Boy and Rodney, Vlad and Illya, Petr and Yanek”.

He said: “I’m not having a pop at anyone. I live here, I’m from here – it’s the local angle.

“I can’t be racist, and I won’t allow anyone around me to be racist.”