UKIP leadership poll: Indianorigin politician is in race

LONDON : It was called an “insurgent” party after making major gains in electoral politics in recent years with its anti-EU appeal, but the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) may well become the first frontline British party to have an Indianorigin leader. Raheem Kassam, a 30-year-old son of Indian immigrants from Tanzania, is among the three contenders for the leadership election currently underway.

Nigel Farage resigned as party leader after the June 23 EU referendum, which was partly held as a result of UKIP’s rise in British politics as it exploited growing anti-EU sentiment in the country. Diane James won the leadership election in September, but stepped down 18 days later. Farage has returned as the interim party leader, and Kassam is in the fray for the top spot, along with Paul Nuttal and Suzanne Evans.

Kassam has often said he is not a practising Muslim, and tried to counter radical Islam. The former aide of Farage has already secured the support of the party’s biggest donor, insurance tycoon Arron Banks. “I’ve been very impressed with Raheem’s ideas, despite Paul Nuttall running I think he’s the candidate to beat. He’s got my support,” Banks tweeted.

Welcoming the endorsement, Kassam said: “This is a major endorsement from someone who has been one of the driving forces behind UKIP in recent years.”