Pulp never intended to be political.

The 'Common People' band - made up of Jarvis Cocker, Steve Mackey, Nick Banks, Candida Doyle and Mark Webber - were ''surprised'' at how their working class anthems were perceived in the late 1990s, and though they have no plans to record a new album, they admit there is plenty to be inspired by.

Jarvis, 50, said: ''The thing with Pulp, the political bits that came out, were a surprise really, that was never really our agenda as a group.

''We didn't think, 'Let's f***ing sort everything out', it just kind of happened.

''But there is plenty to talk about these days. I was really surprised to see a Ukip poster up, him and then all the other leaders with gags on.

''Somebody had splashed it with red paint, which I thought was a good touch. But that is a bit scary, that they're presenting themselves as a mainstream party.''

Jarvis has been writing some solo songs but admits it's not the same as when recording as a band as he finds it more boring.

He explained to NME magazine: ''I am trying to write some [solo] songs, but it's not very interesting playing music on your own. I haven't got the technical ability to do it really.''