MEP in leadership bid

Paul Nuttall

NORTH-WEST MEP Paul Nuttall is hoping to become the next leader of Ukip.

Making his announcement, Mr Nuttall pitched himself as the party's unity candidate, despite saying in July that he would not stand in the September 2016 Ukip leadership election following the resignation of Nigel Farage, and that he would step down as deputy leader of the party.

Nominations to take over from Diane James, who stepped down earlier this month after 18 days as leader, opened last week, with hopefuls having until Monday to gather the required nominations before a members' vote.

Mr Nuttall joins Suzanne Evans, who says she is also standing to be leader of party and has vowed to make Ukip less "toxic", and Raheem Kassam, a former aide to Nigel Farage.

Explaining his decision, Mr Nuttall said: "Having spent six years as deputy leader and previously been chairman, I believe I am best suited to take the helm of the party when Nigel Farage, who has done a sterling job as captain, finally does get the chance to get his life back.

"I stand first and foremost as a unifying candidate, demanding an end to the infighting and squabbling which performs just one purpose, that of delighting our rivals.

"I believe Ukip can simply be much bigger and better than this - but we have to work together as a united team to do so.

"And I promise this ­- from day one under my leadership, there is a clean slate for Ukip MEPs, domestic politicians and members.

"It will in effect be day zero. We will pull together to fight forwards, not backwards."

Mr Nuttall said Ukip could fill the gap left by Labour.

He added: "We are the voice of the common man and woman. We are the future."

The other candidates for the leadership are Peter Whittle, David Kurten and Andrew Beadle. Bill Etheridge was to stand but has withdrawn to throw his weight behind Paul Nuttall. The new leader is scheduled to be announced on November 28.