Arnott Throws in the Towel

[steveL]

In it's own way, this story seems to say so much about UKIP. Not for Mr Arnott the slog of the hustings or the debate to persuade that his own views provide the best way forward; more that, like so many UKIPPERS, he comes complete with a fixed set of views which people can either sign up to or not - take it or leave it.

He seems to have decided that not enough people agree with him and so he's thrown the towel in hoping that members will learn the lessons of time and realise that only HE has the answers required.

UKIP has a funny way of electing leaders. The preferred appointee seems to be designated by the great and the good using methods not dissimilar to those used to appoint a Pope. Once the decision is made, all party machinery is then swung into action to deter any possible contenders.

I guess we'll have to wait until September before we see any white smoke but I guess that will still be sooner than we hear anything from any of the local mutes.

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/north-east-mep-jonathan-arnott-pulls-out-of-ukip-leadership-contest-1-8069348

[mk1]

The leadership contest is a parade of uglies. They all look like  thugs very apt given the ethos of the party.


The civil war inside UKIP is gathering pace. Hamilton has taken command in Wales and all brown envelopes will in future be sent to him.




UKIP view of Hamilton


Corrupt old Tories never change – it's a disgrace that someone like Hamilton is even involved in the party.
'I wouldn't let him get under your skin, I'm sure he will be caught doing something naughty with expenses, if his wife doesn't get there first!'




http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3739530/It-s-feudKIP-Leaked-emails-reveal-vicious-war-words-party-s-money-man-plots-against-corrupt-old-Tory-Neil-Hamilton.html#ixzz4HRP0qMuC


One of Farage's aides has been arrested in the USA.




The panic was compounded yesterday when it was revealed that one of Farage's closest aides is facing years in a US jail after allegedly being caught in an FBI sting.
George Cottrell, 22, who had just started working in Farage's private office, was arrested and led away in handcuffs as he and the former UKIP leader arrived in Chicago last month.
Cottrell is now in custody awaiting trial on 21 charges including attempted extortion, money laundering and fraud

[mk1]

One of the other candidates has been caught out


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3743455/Ukip-leadership-hopeful-Bill-Etheridge-calls-police-bizarre-spat-ex-lover-Viagra-discovered-car.html




Ukip leadership hopeful Bill Etheridge is engulfed in bizarre spat with 'fiancee' who accused him of being unfaithful after finding Viagra in his car

[mk1]

https://youtu.be/ZPlZkMrlPkg


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-37098876




A former UKIP regional chairman has admitted assaulting a 78-year-old man during a row over leaflets in the run-up to the European Union referendum.
John Stanyer struck the pensioner in the face four days before the vote in June, magistrates in Carlisle heard.

[mk1]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-37105782


UKIP is imploding.


Mr Gill said he was leaving the UKIP Senedd group as "infighting" had become a "distraction" from its work.
UKIP group leader Neil Hamilton said he did not think Mr Gill's decision would make "much difference", claiming: "We don't see him much in the assembly."

[mk1]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/37116098


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-37117325




In plain English Neil Hamilton has taken over UKIP wales as his personal fifedom and the current UKIP leadership contest is between Farage and the NEC.  Arron Banks is the  UKIP backer  desperate to  remove the current NEC so the party will continue as his personal property.

[mk1]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-37125219




Police are investigating allegations of fraud against UKIP Wales MEP Nathan Gill, BBC Wales understands.
The claims relate to alleged use of European parliamentary funds for party political purposes, such as election campaigning.
The matter has been referred to North Wales Police after being reviewed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.