Raheem Kassam drops out of Ukip leadership race

The candidate had promised to "Make Ukip great again'

M Raheem Kassam launched his campaign from the Westminster Arms pub (Getty)

Raheem Kassam has suspended his campaign to become the next leader of Ukip, he has announced.

Mr Kassam, who had the backing of millionaire donor Arron Banks, said he with withdrawing because it was unlikely he would win. The journalist and commentator has come in for criticism in recent weeks. It emerged on Sunday he had called fellow leadership contender Suzanne Evans, "a wrinkly old ginger bird".

He apologised last week for having previously said Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon should should have her legs taped shut to stop her reproducing.

Mr Kassam formally launched his campaign at the Westminster Arms pub near Parliament Square earlier this week. His campaign slogan "Make Ukip great again', had echoes of US presidential candidate Donald Trump.

“As of today, I am formally suspending my campaign to be Ukip leader," Mr Kassam said in a statement. “After much consideration, I have decided not to pursue my campaign to be Ukip leader any further. This was a very difficult decision, and I want to thank everyone who supported me in the process.

“It is a decision I have not taken lightly, but following meetings this week I realised the path to victory is too narrow. I would encourage my supporters to back Peter Whittle, who I think would make a fantastic leader of the party.”

Mr Kassam said the top of the party was treating the race "like a coronation" and that he had faced "disgraceful treatment by the media. "When Times journalists show up at my elderly parents' house, intimidating them, I draw the line," he said.

Nominations closed at midday on Monday for the Ukip contest, which will seek to find a replacement for Diane James, who briefly replaced Nigel Farage as leader. The remaining candidates in the contest are Ms Evans, Paul Nuttal, Peter Whittle, and John Reese-Evans.