Ukip MEP says injuries prove he was attacked by party colleague
THE Ukip MEP who was treated in hospital after an “altercation” with a colleague has insisted his injuries back his claim that he was physically attacked.
Steven Woolfe said a medical examination has revealed he suffered injuries to his face, head and body.
The 49-year-old, who this week launched a bid to lead his party, has spoken out after the other MEP involved, Mike Hookem, claimed Mr Woolfe started the fight and denied he punched him.
Mr Hookem’s version of events prompted claims from other Ukip MEPs that Mr Woolfe is unfit to be leader and should abandon his bid.
But a spokesman for Mr Woolfe, MEP for North West England, said: “A team of experts independent of the hospital staff were called in to examine physical injuries to Steven’s face, head and body that were inconsistent with just a seizure or a fall as a result of a seizure.
“The team of experts also examined other pieces of evidence including clothing and images relating to those injuries. Their report will shine a different light on claims currently being made in the media.”
The latest twist in the row at the heart of Ukip threatening to split the party beyond repair comes after Mr Woolfe said he had “reached out the hand of friendship” to his alleged attacker.
A spokesman for Mr Hookem, 62, said he would be seeking legal advice. Mr Hookem, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, also posted a photo on Twitter of his hands, claiming it is evidence that he did not punch Mr Woolfe. He told Sky News: “I am now disputing everything Steven Woolfe is saying. That photograph shows my hands, it was the day after the altercation – supposed altercation – to show that there is no marks whatsoever, it’s high definition, there is no marks whatsoever on my hands.”
However, he admitted: “It is playground behaviour and I have apologised to the membership, and I’ve apologised to the party.”
An inquiry has been ordered by Nigel Farage into the bust-up.
Referring to Mr Woolfe, Roger Helmer, another Ukip MEP, told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme: “If it’s concluded that he started, he intentionally started, a fight – if, I stress, if – then that would be a black mark against his ability to stand.”
Lisa Duffy, who was runner-up in last month’s leadership election, told the BBC: “Do we want a leader who will get himself involved in an altercation, or do we want a leader who is going to be rational and reflect and deal with things in an appropriate manner?”
European Parliament president Martin Schultz announced that he was launching an investigation into the conduct of the two MEPs.