UKIP candidate resigns, citing ‘open racism and bullying’
One of UKIP’s prospective MPs has resigned – citing a culture of ‘open bullying’ within the party.
Jonathan Stanley, who had been set to stand for the party in Westmorland and Lonsdale, quit the party yesterday.
It comes days after UKIP’s Scottish leader – gay MEP David Coburn – shrugged off calls to resign after comparing Muslim SNP politician Humza Yousaf to convicted terrorist Abu Hamza.
Mr Stanley told the Westmorland Gazette: “I have given my full resignation to the party because of issues happening in Scotland: open racism and sanctimonious bullying within the party.
“This sectarian racist filth in Scotland needs cleaning up. It is a great threat to the Eurosceptic cause and civil society.”
However, UKIP dismissed his concerns, labelling them “incredulous”.
A spokesman said: “We are treating Mr Stanley’s comments with the incredulity they deserve.
“Mr Stanley and the party have been drifting apart politically for some time and his resignation comes as no surprise to us.
“However, we wish him all the best for the future.”
The newspaper reports that the party had replaced Mr Stanley within a matter of hours, with hotel owner Alan Piper now set to stand in the seat.
