Ex-Ukip leader quits in protest

UKIP MEP and former leader Paul Nuttall has quit the party.

Mr Nuttall is the latest prominent figure to leave Ukip in protest at its direction under leader Gerard Batten.

Mr Batten has drawn criticism for appointing political activist and English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson as an adviser.

Mr Nuttall said: “I am resigning because the party is being taken in a direction which I believe is harmful to Brexit.”