Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Godfrey Bloom to resign as Ukip MEP after controversial 'sluts' remark

Former party whip will sit as an independent in the European Parliament 

Oliver Wright
Tuesday 24 September 2013 13:45 EDT
Comments
Godfrey Bloom will quit the Ukip party
Godfrey Bloom will quit the Ukip party (Stefan Rousseau/pa)

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.

The controversial Ukip MEP Godfrey Bloom is to sit as an independent in the European Parliament after he was suspended for describing women as “sluts”. Mr Bloom, who has previous condemned aid to “bongo bongo land”, said he had felt for some time that Ukip was not “really right” for him.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage said he did not want to see Mr Bloom kicked out of the party, insisting he had not crossed the lines of racism or extremism – adding he was “sorry” that events had reached this stage.

A formal disciplinary hearing had been scheduled to determine Mr Bloom’s fate, but the MEP pre-empted the outcome with today’s statement. He said: “I have felt for some time now that the new Ukip is not really right for me anymore.

“However our message is clear: self government. Our wonderful and loyal membership will win through with their dedication and hard work. It has been a pleasure to work with them for 15 years.

“I shall sit out my term as an independent and give my wholehearted support to Jane Collins who is almost certainly going to be the next Ukip MEP and probably a second seat yet to be decided. I shall of course retain my membership.”

In a BBC interview, Mr Farage said he was “very sorry” at Mr Bloom’s departuture.

“He’s been with us for 15 years, he’s sat in the European Parliament since 2004, he absolutely 100 per cent believes in everything Ukip stands for and he’s been a good, loyal MEP for us. It’s a sorry state of affairs,” he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in