Ukip's ruling body backs vote of no confidence in leader Henry Bolton

Ukip's ruling committee has unanimously backed a vote of no confidence in leader Henry Bolton.

Party members will now be given a vote on whether the former Army officer should remain in post.

Ahead of the meeting of Ukip's national executive committee, Mr Bolton insisted he would not quit and said forcing him out would probably end the party.

A Ukip spokesman said: "The committee took the decision to hold a vote of no confidence in the leadership of Henry Bolton.

"The vote was carried unanimously with the exception of the leader.

"This decision will automatically trigger an emergency general meeting of the party, to allow the membership of Ukip the democratic opportunity to decide to endorse or reject that vote of no confidence."