I won’t resign, says Ukip leader after ending his relationship with model
UKIP LEADER Henry Bolton has ended his romantic relationship with his controversial model girlfriend, but still faced a backlash from senior figures within his party.
Mr Bolton admitted the relationship with Jo Marney was “obviously quite incompatible” with his position as party chief after it was reported she made racist remarks about Meghan Markle.
But he resisted calls to quit, insisting he would “stand by” Ms Marney and claimed the controversial messages did not reflect her “core beliefs”.
Mr Bolton also alleged that his critics within the party had used his girlfriend as a way of attacking his position.
West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge quit as Ukip’s sport spokesman in protest at Mr Bolton’s refusal to stand down and urged party members to oust the leader.
The Mail On Sunday printed texts it said had been sent by Ms Marney about Prince Harry’s fiancee, including use of the word “Negro” and a message reading “This is Britain, not Africa”. In an interview with ITV’s Good
Morning Britain, Mr Bolton said: “I don’t defend these comments and indeed Jo has been suspended pending an investigation under the normal rules of the party for such things, and it is against the constitution for the party to be racist in any way.
“As of last night the romantic side of our relationship is ended.”
Mr Bolton has faced widespread calls for his resignation, but he made it clear he wanted to stay in place as the party leader, saying “there are a great many people who fully support me”.
Asked if his position as leader had become untenable, he added: “First of all, I am not intending to resign – at all.”