MEP Nikki Sinclaire accuses Nigel Farage of employing 'mistress'
West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire has accused UKIP leader Nigel Farage of employing both his wife and his 'mistress' using taxpayers' money.
Miss Sinclaire's comments were protected from any potential legal action by Parliamentary privilege.
Speaking in the European Parliament she said: "With unemployment still a problem across Europe and indeed the UK, does Mr Farage think it's a fair use of taxpayers' money, namely his secretarial allowance, not only to employ his wife Kirsten but his former mistress Annabelle Fuller. Is this a responsible use of taxpayers' money Mr Farage?"
Mr Farage replied: "I don't want to answer that at all".
Miss Sinclaire was elected as a UKIP MEP for the West Midlands in 2009. She was expelled from the party the following year after accusing Mr Farage of sitting with racist and extremist parties in the Europe of Freedom and Democracy group in the Brussels and Strasbourg-based Parliament.
She now has her own party, called We Demand A Referendum Now.
According to official records Mr Farage employs five local assistants - Christopher Adams, Raymond Finch, Stephen Harriss, Annabelle Fuller and Kirsten Farage.
Mrs Farage, who is Mr Farage's German-born second wife, is paid around £20,000 a year.
Miss Fuller, aged 31, has complained of being 'hounded' and of 'false allegations'.
"It's a shame that as a woman I am considered fair game for accusations of alleged affairs," she said in a statement.
"It's hard enough being a woman in politics without having to justify why I am employed.
"It is safe to say that this would not have happened if I was a man. Surely this is something that Nikki Sinclaire should have considered."
Miss Fuller worked for UKIP for many years before leaving for a stint as a public relations consultant, and has now returned as a spin doctor for the party.
Mr Farage is understood to have denied allegations of an affair with Miss Fuller in the past.
Mr Farage said: "I have spoken to every national newspaper on this issue and the answer today remains the same as it was in 2006. The answer is no."
Today, Miss Sinclaire defended her actions. She said: "Mr Farage is always finger pointing at other people's use of taxpayers' money.
"In politics you always put points to your political opponents and Mr Farage is my political opponent.
"As a party UKIP talks but does not do what it says on the tin."
UKIP won two seats in the West Midlands in 2009 - Miss Sinclaire's and one held by Mike Nattrass.
Mr Nattrass also left UKIP last year after being de-selected ahead of the elections in May. He tried to get a court to overturn the party's decision.
And he has now also formed his own party, called An Independence Party. Both Miss Sinclaire and Mr Nattrass will stand in the European elections in May.
