The five hopefuls

Contenders for the Ukip leadership

Paul Nuttall, 39

Ukip’s deputy leader under Nigel Farage was expected to be an early front-runner for the leadership.

Mr Nuttall, above, has been MEP for the North West since 2009 and politically he is seen as to the Left of Mr Farage – at times differing on how to improve the NHS.

Suzanne Evans, 51

Ms Evans, below, briefly took over from Mr Farage when he resigned in 2015. However, she lasted just days before the party’s board rejected his decision to quit.

The former journalist was later banished from the party following a spectacular falling out with Mr Farage.

Raheem Kassam, 30

Mr Kassam is a former chief aide to Ukip leader Mr Farage and now editor-in-chief of Right-wing blog Breitbart London.

Bill Etheridge, 46

The West Midlands MEP has said he wants to attract those who backed Brexit but who may not be Ukip voters. Supports gay marriage and Muslim faith schools, but also backs the death penalty and banning the burka.

Peter Whittle, 55

Former journalist Peter Whittle, above, was Ukip’s candidate for the 2016 London mayoral election and is a member of the London Assembly.

Openly gay, he was the only LGBT candidate in the mayoral contest and has also served as Ukip’s culture spokesman.