Raheem Kassam, Nigel Farage’s former chief of staff, has withdrawn from the race to be Ukip leader, leaving just Paul Nuttall and Suzanne Evans in the running. The rightwing journalist had been the most colourful contender in the field, expressing admiration for the US presidential candidate Donald Trump and gaining the backing of the major Ukip donor Arron Banks. Raheem Kassam withdraws from Ukip leadership contest - Politics live Read moreKassam claimed he was not confident in the integrity of the ballot and criticised his treatment by the media, after a journalist approached his parents at their home. In a statement on his website, Kassam said: “After much consideration, I have decided not to pursue my campaign to be Ukip leader any further. His withdrawal cements the position of Nuttall, the former deputy leader of Ukip, as the favourite to win.

Source: The Guardian October 31, 2016 10:34 UTC