The Chairman's statement on the party website of today:-
We have received a great many e-mails, letters and telephone messages regarding the leadership of the Party, following recent publicity on this subject. Members should understand that our current leader, Roger Knapman`s term of office is only half way through. He has a mandate for a further two years. Therefore, there is no vacancy.
My predecessor, David Lott, has undertaken an informal survey of the membership and the results suggest that the overwhelming majority support Roger Knapman’s continued leadership.
As a Party, we need to concentrate more on preparing to fight the political battles that lie ahead and less on internal matters.
The Party Chairman's statement at the same place on the website yesterday said this:-
Robert Kilroy-Silk
Robert Kilroy-Silk has made it obvious that he wishes to become the Leader of UKIP. He has also said in a television interview that he does not think we will get any seats at the General Election. We beg to differ. We have proved that we can make an impact in a Westminster election and I am determined that we will do so again in the General Election.
On the subject of the Leadership of the Party, let me make it crystal clear that there is NO vacancy. Roger Knapman`s term of office is only half way through. His leadership is wholeheartedly supported by me, the rest of the MEPs and the NEC.
My predecessor, David Lott, has undertaken a nationwide survey of the membership's reaction to Mr Kilroy-Silk's leadership aspirations and the overwhelming majority support Roger Knapman. I understand that Mr Kilroy-Silk has been made aware of those findings. Hopefully, things will now settle down.
Naturally, we all hope that Robert will take stock of the situation and accept that the Party wishes to remain under the continued and very successful leadership of Roger Knapman However, we do welcome his contribution to the election campaign as a team member.
There are lies, lots of lies, Lott's lies and statistics which sometimes form the basis of surveys!