Paul Nuttall MEP resigns from UKIP

Paul Nuttall, North West MEP

Paul Nuttall MEP has become the latest senior figure to quit the UK Independence Party.

Mr Nuttall sits in the European Parliament as an MEP for North West England and was leader of the party from November 2016 to 9 June 2017.

He has criticised the party's link with far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who has been brought in as an adviser.

Mr Nuttall's resignation follows that of fellow former leader Nigel Farage, who expressed similar sentiments.

He said in a statement: "After much soul-searching over the past week, I have concluded that I must, as of today, resign as a member of UKIP. I do this with an immense amount of reluctance and regret, as I have worked tirelessly for the party for the past fourteen years.

"I am resigning because the party is being taken in a direction which I believe is harmful to Brexit. The association with Tommy Robinson will simply appal many moderate Brexit voters and inevitably be detrimental to the cause.

"The Tommy Robinson issue should have been shelved and debated within the party following Brexit; in line with the sensible decision taken by the National Executive Committee last month. The party leadership and my MEP colleagues have been aware of my views on this issue for some time.  

"Putting Tommy Robinson front and centre, whilst Brexit is in the process of being betrayed is, in my view, a catastrophic error. To conflate Brexit and Robinson at this crucial moment is to put the Eurosceptic cause in danger and I cannot and will not be party to that.

"I will continue to serve the North West of England in the European Parliament until my term expires."

Mr Nuttall became an MEP for North West England in 2009 and served as UKIP deputy leader from 2010.