Peter Whittle withdraws from Ukip leadership race

One of the contenders to replace Nigel Farage as leader of Ukip has pulled out of the race.

Peter Whittle who has pulled out of the race as a contender to replace Nigel Farage. Picture: PA

London Assembly member Peter Whittle declared he was withdrawing his candidacy and offering his support to frontrunner Paul Nuttall.

His decision leaves three runners in the contest - former deputy leader Mr Nuttall, former deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans, and Wales-based ex-soldier John Rees-Evans.

Mr Whittle said he had become convinced that North West England MEP Mr Nuttall, who has also served as the party’s chairman and leads its delegation in the European Parliament, made him “the person who is best placed to take us forward”.