UKIP Uncovered
What motivates the leaders of the United Kingdom Independence Party?


Thursday, November 25, 2004 

Yesterday's Evening Standard report on UKIP

I am told that the report I linked yesterday was not in some (perhaps all) print editions of the above newspaper. I therefore reproduce the whole report rather than just the brief quote I gave when linking the item yesterday.

Quote

UKIP faces leadership turmoil

By Isabel Oakeshott Political Correspondent,
Evening Standard 24 November 2004

The UK Independence Party was in turmoil today amid new moves to force a leadership election.

Party leader Roger Knapman is facing a vote of no confidence after losing the support of key activists.

A total of 50 local branch chairman were said to be preparing to demand an emergency meeting to decide his future.

The move could trigger a formal leadership contest, paving the way for former TV host Robert Kilroy-Silk to make a new bid to seize the top job. But the prospect of a leadership battle months before a general election will dismay many UKIP activists who fear an ugly contest could alienate thousands of voters.

The plot follows months of bitter in-fighting in the fledgling Rightwing party. Mr Kilroy-Silk has made no secret of his ambition to lead the party since its breakthrough at the June European, local and London Assembly elections.

Supporters claim Mr Kilroy-Silk has the backing of 50 branch chairman, twice the number needed to force a confidence motion under UKIP's rules. But Mr Knapman organised a survey of most branch chairmen last month which appeared to show he commanded the backing of more than 109 of them.

A party insider said: "I would be very surprised indeed if this did not result in a leadership election."

London Assembly member Damien Hockney, chairman of UKIP's Kensington and Chelsea branch, said today: "I believe a leadership contest is now inevitable. I will work with anyone who is elected, but I will be voting for Mr Kilroy-Silk."

posted by Martin |3:43 PM
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