Ukip leader ‘scared’ of Question Time grilling

GAFFE-prone new Ukip leader Diane James was accused of going into hiding yesterday after refusing to appear on BBC1’s Question Time.

She fuelled party insiders’ fears that she is scared of the cut and thrust of politics by turning down the invitation for this week’s show.

Ms James’ move comes after a series of blunders – including hailing Vladimir Putin as her hero – and predictions that she is no match for polished media performer Nigel Farage, whom she replaced as leader just 10 days ago. Last night, one senior Ukip figure said: ‘There’s only one reason a new leader ducks out of the Beeb’s flagship political show – you’re frightened you’re going to make a fool of yourself.’

A spokesman for Ms James, who is also a Euro MP, last night said she was too ‘busy in Brussels’ to do the show on Thursday.

He added it was ridiculous to suggest she was media-shy as she had done nine interviews on one day alone last week.