The decision to allow Anne Marie Waters – co-founder of anti-Islam group Pegida UK alongside former EDL leader Tommy Robinson – to stand for leadership of Ukip has created fresh fractures within a party that is preparing for its third leadership contest in a turbulent twelve months.
Criticism of Waters’ candidacy has come not only from the modernising wing of Ukip, but also from strong supporters of Nigel Farage’s robust line on immigration and integration. Farage loyalist Bill Etheridge MEP warned against hardliners using the party ‘as a vehicle for the views of the EDL and the BNP’ while Scottish MEP David Coburn has warned against ‘entryism’. Quitting his post as deputy whip in protest, MEP Mike Hookem said ‘I am not prepared to support someone who seeks to single out a section of our society simply due to their religious beliefs.’ 18 of the party’s 20 MEPs have reportedly said they would quit the party if Waters is given a leadership role.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in