Westminster as it happened: Ukip's Henry Bolton refuses to resign despite mass resignations
All the latest updates from Westminster, as they happened
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.Ukip was hit with fresh turmoil after leader Henry Bolton refused to quit, despite mass resignations and a vote of no confidence from his party’s governing body.
Mr Bolton - who has led the party since October - has been in the spotlight due to his relationship with Jo Marney, who allegedly sent a string of racist texts about Meghan Markle.
Theresa May also came under intense criticism from her backbenchers over her slow response to a cross-party proposals on the future of NHS and social care spending.
The Prime Minister’s delayed response to the letter from 90 cross-party MPs was criticised as “disappointing” by one Tory MP, while another added: “This response lacks ambition”.
See below for the latest updates:
Ukip's education spokesman David Kurten has quit over Henry Bolton's leadership of the party.
The London Assembly Member said: "It is time for him to step down with dignity rather than extending the current debacle for another four weeks.
"I will continue to represent the party in the London Assembly."
Mike Hookem, Ukip's assistant deputy leader, has become the latest frontbencher to step down in protest at Henry Bolton's leadership.
The MEP said he was quitting after Mr Bolton refused to resign.
Mr Hookem told his party leader: "Ukip is now in the preposterous situation of the leader's private life being of more interest than the party.
"In the present situation, I believe that you have no alternative other than to resign your position as Ukip leader."
He said he had resigned on Friday but not made his decision public in order to give Mr Bolton the chance to resign.
Describing the situation in the party as an "almost farcical scandal", Mr Hookem added: "I now urge Mr Bolton to stand down as a matter of priority, for the good of the party and the grassroots membership."
He becomes the fifth senior Ukip figure to step down amid ongoing recriminations about Mr Bolton's private life. The party's deputy leader, Margot Parker, also quit on Monday.
Mr Hookem is best known for allegedly punching a fellow Ukip MEP, Steven Woolfe, at the European Parliament building in October 2016. At the time, he admitted there had been a "scuffle" but insisted "no punches were thrown".
His resignation comes after Mr Bolton refused to stand aside, despite the other members of Ukip's national executive committee unanimously passing a motion of no confidence in him.
Theresa May is set to host a traditional Burns supper at Downing Street tonight, to commemorate the iconic Scots poet Robert Burns.
High-profile Scots will be welcomed into Number 10 by piper from the Scots Guards before enjoying a three-course dinner with the Prime Minister, Philip May and Scottish Secretary David Mundell.
Glasgow-based ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ winner Gary Maclean will serve up haggis, neeps and tatties, venison and shortbread with cranachan ice cream.
Ms May said: “Scotland is a greatly valued part of our United Kingdom and its contribution to the UK is immense – economically, socially, and culturally.
“And Robert Burns is a great example of that, as one of our finest poets, famous world-wide.
“I’m very much looking forward to this evening and the chance to celebrate a great poet, a great nation and an enduring Union.”
Burns Night is traditionally celebrated on January 25, to mark the bard's birthday.
Ukip leader Henry Bolton is facing increasing pressure to step down following a row over offensive texts sent by his ex girlfriend.
East of England MEP Tim Aker has now quit as local government spokesman, saying he hoped Mr Bolton "does the right thing" and resigns.
He said: "I cannot continue to serve under Henry Bolton.
"I hope he does the right thing and resigns before the EGM, so the party can move forward with a new leader."
Opposition leaders are seeking an alliance with the trade unions over plans to keep Britain in the single market and customs union.
The SNP, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, and the Green Party, have invited Frances O'Grady, who leads the influential Trade Unions Congress (TUC), to attend a summit on the issue next month.
The cross-party group believe union support will help secure a majority in parliament, for remaining in the single market. Last week, a cross-party amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill won support from all sides but was ultimately defeated.
It will increase pressure on Jeremy Corbyn to shift Labour's Brexit policy, which is currently in favour of leaving both European agreements.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments