Ukip’s most high-profile donor has backed a former aide to Nigel Farage for the party leadership amid speculation ex-deputy leader Paul Nuttall was poised to enter the race. Insurance tycoon Arron Banks said he was backing Raheem Kassam for the leadership “despite Paul Nuttall running” for the job. Ukip deputy leader Paul Nuttall seen as potential unifier amid turmoil Read moreNuttall has yet to publicly declare if he will stand in the contest, having declined to stand in the previous leadership race earlier this year. Kassam, an ex-chief of staff to Farage, welcomed the support offered by Mr Banks, the co-founder of the Leave.EU Brexit campaign. He’s got my support.”The new Ukip leader will be announced on 28 November, with nominations to replace Ms James closing on 31 October.

Source: The Guardian October 22, 2016 17:51 UTC