Peter Whittle pulls out of UKIP leadership contest
The London Assembly member's decision leaves three candidates in the contest which will conclude later this month.
Friday 4 November 2016 11:50, UK
Peter Whittle has become the latest candidate to pull out of the UKIP leadership contest.
The London Assembly member has offered his support to frontrunner Paul Nuttall.
Mr Whittle's decision leaves three candidates in the contest - former deputy leader Mr Nuttall, former deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans and former soldier John Rees-Evans.
Mr Whittle said he had reached the view that North West England MEP Mr Nuttall, who has also had a stint as the party's chairman and leads its delegation in the European Parliament, was "the person who is best placed to take us forward".
In a statement announcing his withdrawal, he said: "To meet the new challenges which the future holds, UKIP needs a leader who knows the party inside out and who can command the loyalty of members across the board.
"So, after a great deal of thought, I have decided to withdraw from the leadership contest and recommend wholeheartedly that members vote for Paul Nuttall.
"I would like to thank those members and supporters who planned to support me, but I have become convinced that the sheer breadth of Paul's political experience, his dedication to the values of the party and the obvious affection in which he is held by members make him the person who is best placed to take us forward."
The party is in the midst of its second leadership contest in a matter of months following the resignation of Diane James after just 18 days in the post.
Her decision brought back Nigel Farage, who declared his intention to step down after the EU referendum in June, for a fourth stint at the helm.
Raheem Kassam on Monday, and urged his backers to support Mr Whittle.
Steven Woolfe, who emerged as an early favourite, quit the party after an altercation in the European Parliament building with fellow UKIP MEP Mike Hookem.
Party donor Arron Banks told Sky News earlier this week that UKIP was
The new leader will be announced on 28 November following a postal ballot of UKIP members.