15/05/2015
Nigel Farage Will Not Stand Down From UKIP
Nigel Farage has said he will not stand down as leader of UKIP.
He made the comments during an appearance on BBC's Question Time on Thursday evening.
Last week, Mr Farage stood down from the party after he failed to win the Kent seat of Thanet South in the General Election. However, just a few days later, he was reinstated by the party after they refused to accept his resignation. He has since said he has received a "phenomenal" level of support from the party. This follows a row which erupted on Thursday when UKIP's campaign chief Patrick O'Flynn accused Farage of becoming "snarling" and "thin-skinned", and was "aggressive" during the election campaign. Two of the aides have now left the party.
When asked about the situation on Question Time, Farage replied that it is the wrong time for him to step down, explaining that he felt the Prime Minister would bring forward the promised referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, and that it would be a mistake for UKIP to spend three months on a leadership campaign at the same time.
He said: "The level of support for me in the party is phenomenal and, frankly, to go through a leadership contest at a time when [David] Cameron says he's renegotiating our relationship with the European Union would be a massive, massive mistake."
In last week's General Election, UKIP secured almost four million votes, but just one MP – Douglas Carswell for the Clacton constituency – secured a seat at Westminster.
(JP)
He made the comments during an appearance on BBC's Question Time on Thursday evening.
Last week, Mr Farage stood down from the party after he failed to win the Kent seat of Thanet South in the General Election. However, just a few days later, he was reinstated by the party after they refused to accept his resignation. He has since said he has received a "phenomenal" level of support from the party. This follows a row which erupted on Thursday when UKIP's campaign chief Patrick O'Flynn accused Farage of becoming "snarling" and "thin-skinned", and was "aggressive" during the election campaign. Two of the aides have now left the party.
When asked about the situation on Question Time, Farage replied that it is the wrong time for him to step down, explaining that he felt the Prime Minister would bring forward the promised referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, and that it would be a mistake for UKIP to spend three months on a leadership campaign at the same time.
He said: "The level of support for me in the party is phenomenal and, frankly, to go through a leadership contest at a time when [David] Cameron says he's renegotiating our relationship with the European Union would be a massive, massive mistake."
In last week's General Election, UKIP secured almost four million votes, but just one MP – Douglas Carswell for the Clacton constituency – secured a seat at Westminster.
(JP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 September 2013
UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom Quits Party EU Group
Godfrey Bloom has announced that he is quitting the UKIP European group to see out the remainder of his term as an independent. Bloom lost the party whip last week following controversy over a joke that referred to female UKIP activists as "sluts".
UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom Quits Party EU Group
Godfrey Bloom has announced that he is quitting the UKIP European group to see out the remainder of his term as an independent. Bloom lost the party whip last week following controversy over a joke that referred to female UKIP activists as "sluts".
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
15 April 2015
Farage Announces UKIP's Election Policies
Nigel Farage has launched the UKIP 2015 General Election manifesto. Announcing their policies Mr Farage said UKIP was the only party with "fully costed plans, which have been verified by independent economic think tank, The Centre for Economic and Business Research".
Farage Announces UKIP's Election Policies
Nigel Farage has launched the UKIP 2015 General Election manifesto. Announcing their policies Mr Farage said UKIP was the only party with "fully costed plans, which have been verified by independent economic think tank, The Centre for Economic and Business Research".
06 February 2015
UKIP Leader Cancels Appearance After Protest
UKIP leader, Nigel Farage, has cancelled a public appearance in Rotherham because of protesting outside his party's office. Mr Farage was to cut a ribbon on the party's new headquarters, however police advised him to stay in the office. He has been accused of "rubber-necking" at victims of child abuse following a damning report.
UKIP Leader Cancels Appearance After Protest
UKIP leader, Nigel Farage, has cancelled a public appearance in Rotherham because of protesting outside his party's office. Mr Farage was to cut a ribbon on the party's new headquarters, however police advised him to stay in the office. He has been accused of "rubber-necking" at victims of child abuse following a damning report.
26 September 2014
UKIP Lay Out Tax Pledges At Party Conference
UKIP have pledged to cut income tax from 40p to 35p for people earning up to £55,000, while also raising the amount people can earn before they pay the tax to £13,500. The Party is set to lay out its tax plans at its annual conference, which begins this morning at Doncaster Racecourse.
UKIP Lay Out Tax Pledges At Party Conference
UKIP have pledged to cut income tax from 40p to 35p for people earning up to £55,000, while also raising the amount people can earn before they pay the tax to £13,500. The Party is set to lay out its tax plans at its annual conference, which begins this morning at Doncaster Racecourse.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.