One Nation party: Henry Bolton 'to set up new party' after being ousted by UKIP

Mr Bolton was ousted by UKIP in February
PA Wire/PA Images
Martin Coulter6 March 2018
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The ousted former UKIP leader Henry Bolton has announced plans to set up a new political party.

Mr Bolton, who lost the party leadership following a vote of no confidence by UKIP members last month, said his 'One Nation' party would "contribute constructively towards determining the trajectory the UK follows" upon leaving the EU.

He said: "UKIP...has sadly lost its much of its influence and ability to shape national events.

"There is an urgent requirement for a 100% ‘leave’ party willing and able to contribute constructively towards determining the trajectory that the UK follows upon leaving the European Union and beyond.

Mr Bolton, pictured with girlfriend Jo Marney

"Policies are being drafted, a variety of campaigns and events are in the planning, membership will be open soon and more details will emerge over the coming days and weeks."

Mr Bolton faced a revolt by senior UKIP figures in protest at his relationship with model Jo Marney, a 25-year-old model who was embroiled in a highly publicised racism scandal.

Shortly after the couple went public in December, she was revealed to have described Grenfell Tower as a “nest” for immigrants and made racist comments about Meghan Markle “tainting” the royal family due to her being mixed-race.

In the wake of the outrage that followed the leaked messages, Mr Bolton publicly distanced himself from his partner as he attempted to keep his job as party leader.

Mr Bolton later told LBC host Nick Ferrari he had "told fibs" about the break up, saying: "I think, Nick, I was playing on words a little bit."

Ms Marney acknowledged that the messages were “obviously very offensive” but added that some of the points raised are “relevant” and said that there are some things people should be able to discuss in private.

“Should you or shouldn’t you be able to say offensive things in a private conversation," she said. "I think you should.”

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