High profile black Ukip member Winston McKenzie quits party due to 'racial discrimination'
Ukip's former Commonwealth spokesman says he felt 'completely ignored' by figures close to Nigel Farage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A high-profile black member of Ukip has quit the party over claims he was a victim of racial discrimination from figures close to leader Nigel Farage.
Winston McKenzie, Ukip's former Commonwealth spokesman, accused the party of ignoring his bid to be chosen as a candidate for London Mayor and said he was being blocked from progressing in the party because of racism in the “higher echelons” of Ukip.
He told ITV News: "I'm incensed at the present moment because where I stand in UKIP, I feel as though I've been completely ignored, racially discriminated against by people in the higher echelons of the party.
"I'm talking about the leader's followers."
Mr McKenzie, a former boxer, is famed for having joined every major political party in the UK but never winning an election.
He most recently stood for Ukip in the 2012 Croydon North by-election, receiving 6 per cent of the vote.
However, he caused the party problems after organising a carnival in Croydon in the run up to the 2014 European Parliament elections that was swamped by protesters, prompting Mr Farage to cancel his planned appearance there.
A steel band he booked for the carnival refused to play once they discovered they would be playing at a Ukip event.
Mr McKenzie then branded Croydon “a dump” that was “unsafe”, in one of his many frank outbursts.
He was removed as Ukip’s Commonwealth spokesman earlier this year and replaced by Ukip MEP Jim Carver.
During his time in the role he likened Mr Farage to Jesus, saying he could “do no wrong”.
“Jesus was one man, we’re his army," he said.
"Farage is one man, and we’re his army and that’s what it’s all about.
“Farage is like (non-stick) Teflon – he can do no wrong. Everywhere he goes, it doesn’t matter what he says or does - he gets away with it.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments