Steven Woolfe quits ‘ungovernable’ Ukip after punch-up claims, insisting party is in a ‘death spiral’
Former favourite to take over from Nigel Farage announces he has made a police complaint over the fracas with a fellow MEP
BRAWLING UKIP leadership contender Steven Woolfe plunged the party into chaos yesterday by quitting – and blasting the rival who ‘struck’ him.
The MEP who was left fighting for his life after a scuffle with Mike Hookem in the European Parliament said UKIP was in a “death spiral” and he would be leaving.
He insisted UKIP was ungovernable without Nigel Farage in charge.
And in a shock announcement, he told the BBC: “I’m resigning with immediate effect.
“There is something rotten at the heart of UKIP. I don’t think at this stage is governable in way that can make them achieve the potential that they’ve got.”
The move sparked immediate speculation the MEP could be defecting to the Tories. And it raised yet more fears about the party given rumours of debts totalling £800,000.
It triggered a fierce reaction from Mr Hookem – the UKIP MEP blamed for triggering his rival’s collapse in Strasbourg two weeks ago after a fierce row about an alleged meeting between Mr Woolfe and Conservative Party chairman Patrick McLoughlin.
Mr Hookem – an ex-commando – said: “Steve Woolfe’s political career was over once he showed disloyalty to the UKIP party and membership when he held talks to join the Tories.
“We wish him well and hope he can get his life sorted out.”
One told the Sun: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he’s going now.”
Just an hour before the stunning resignation, UKIP’s ruling body had announced the terms of its leadership election and said that a candidate would be elected to replace Diane James by November 28.
It had been agreed that Steven Woolfe would be able to stand despite the damage to the party caused by his public spat with Mr Hookem.
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Two weeks ago Mr Woolfe was rushed to hospital after collapsing following a brawl with his rival following a clear the air meeting of MEPs.
Speaking yesterday Mr Woolfe said: “He rushed me.
A blow to my face forced me back through the door.”
Challenged on whether it was a punch to the face, he added: “It’s a blow.
“The point is I couldn’t see whether it’s a fist, whether it was an open hand whatever it was.”
He said the blow pushed him back into a room where he hit the back of his head against a wall. Two hours later, Mr Woolfe said he started to get a severe headache and then collapsed as he tried to find a medical centre.
“I don’t recall a great deal until I was bought around by parliamentary doctors. I’d had two seizures, one of three minutes, one of two minutes.
“I’d been unconscious for quite some time, and there was partial paralysis down the left hand side and down my face and they were incredibly concerned about me.”
Woolfe also said that "contrary to reports", he had made a police complaint over the spat and was "seeking legal advice".
He said it defied belief some thought he had made up the incident.
UKIP chairman Paul Oakden said: “What I take from Steven’s statement is that he wants to focus on his health. Far from being in a death spiral, UKIP is in a very strong position.”
Steven Woolfe's resignation statement in full
Six years ago, I joined UKIP. Since then, I have campaigned with all my energy, time and determination to champion the party's core beliefs and values.
I have been proud to stand in local, general, PCC and London assembly elections - and of course to be elected as a North West MEP.
I have been proud to be a part of the team led by Nigel Farage, one of Britain's greatest ever politicians. He brought me into the party and helped us win the referendum - a moment I will always treasure. Without Nigel, the donors, the team members and the activists, the UK would not be free today.
It was because of the support from party members that I put my name forward to lead the party in the Summer, and again two weeks ago following Diane's resignation. However, I could not have foreseen the events that would follow.
The events at the meeting in Strasbourg led to me later being treated by doctors for two seizures, partial paralysis and loss of feeling in my face and body.
I would like to thank all of the medical staff in Strasbourg for their impressive and swift treatment. I owe them my life. I would also like to thank my family and friends for their love and support – and also all of the people in politics who have sent me their best wishes.
Since then, I have spent some time considering my personal and political future.
It is with deep sorrow and regret that I am aborting my leadership campaign and announcing my resignation from UKIP with immediate effect.
I believe that a strong UKIP would hold this government's feet to the fire and make sure it delivers a clean Brexit. However, I have come to the conclusion that UKIP is ungovernable without Nigel Farage leading it and the referendum cause to unite it.
The way I was treated by members of my own party during the Summer’s leadership campaign and the events that have led up to today have all contributed to me coming to this conclusion. The party is riddled with infighting, proxy wars between rival camps and is run by an NEC that is not fit for purpose.
Once my recovery is complete, it is my intention to sit as an independent MEP in the European Parliament.
I will continue to represent my constituents in the European Parliament until the UK's exit from the EU in 2019. I will champion the values I hold dear - those of freedom, democracy and an independent United Kingdom.
With regards to the highly regrettable events in Strasbourg, I will reiterate my position that I received a blow from Mr Hookem that knocked me back into the meeting room and caused my subsequent injuries. Contrary to reports, I have made a police complaint.
I am now seeking legal advice in respect of the investigations and will not be commenting further on the matter until the completion of those investigations.