Express & Star

Bill Etheridge quits UKIP role over Henry Bolton's 'lack of political nous'

A West Midlands MEP has quit UKIP's top table in protest at party leader Henry Bolton's refusal to stand down.

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West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge

Bill Etheridge says he is no longer willing to serve Mr Bolton, who he has accused of dragging the party down with his egotistical ways.

The Dudley councillor has resigned from his position as party sports spokesman with immediate effect. He has urged all UKIP members to contact the national executive committee (NEC) to call for Mr Bolton's removal.

The under fire leader has been embroiled in controversy over his personal life in recent weeks, and yesterday announced he had split with his girlfriend, party activist Jo Marney, following the emergence of racist messages she had sent.

Mr Etheridge said the chaos surrounding Mr Bolton had dealt UKIP a savage blow and threatened to derail the party.

But he was at pains to stress that his decision to quit was primarily related to Mr Bolton's 'lack of political nous'.

He said: “I am resigning as a spokesman for UKIP and focussing in pursuing Brexit through public meetings and rallies.

“I also urge members to contact the NEC to call for the removal of Henry Bolton before his ego finally drags the party down.

“Making sure we get a proper Brexit is the most important thing of all. UKIP cannot allow distractions like this to take our attention off the thing that is most important to our country."

Mr Bolton has endured a tumultuous time since he was elected as leader three months ago.

But he has refused calls for him to step down, insisting that UKIP 'can't afford a leadership change'.

UKIP's NEC will meet to discuss Mr Bolton's future as leader of the party this weekend.

If he is forced out, UKIP members will have to pick their fifth leader in just over 15 months.