Ukip’s new leader calls for unity

Ukip’s new leader Henry Bolton emerged from obscurity to defy the bookies and beat the two front-runners in the contest to replace Paul Nuttall.

The 54-year-old comes to the role after a distinguished career as a diplomat.

Nigel Farage welcomed his appointment as party chief, calling him a “man of real substance”.

Despite being relatively unknown, the ex-Thames Valley police officer, who joined the party in 2014, is no stranger to running for elected posts.

He stood for the Liberal Democrats in Runnymede and Weybridge in the 2005 general election, finishing third behind current Chancellor Philip Hammond.

After his surprise triumph, he called on the party to unite behind him to deliver its aims.

He said: “I do not see myself now as simply being your leader, I see myself as serving this party.

“You are the party, not me, and this party needs to serve its country. There is no greater calling than that and I would call on all of you, whether you voted for me or not, to rally around the party, to be united.”

Henry Bolton.