Second Ukip MEP quits over leader

A second Ukip MEP has quit the party in protest at the “extreme nationalist and reactionary” views of leader Gerard Batten.

Bill Etheridge said since Mr Batten became leader in April the party had been increasingly seen as “a vehicle for hate towards Muslims and the gay community”. His announcement comes after fellow MEP William Dartmouth announced he was leaving the party, saying Mr Batten was taking it “further to the right”.

In his letter of resignation, Mr Etheridge said the party had “irredeemably changed”, with more liberal-minded members leaving and being replaced by those who shared Mr Batten’s views.

“The changes you have made since becoming leader have changed the party beyond all recognition,” he wrote in the letter.

“You have allowed your personal obsessions free rein.”