Ukip's Steven Woolfe attacked: Farage describes MEP's condition as 'serious' after altercation in European Parliament
Interim leader says his possible successor collapsed following 'altercation' at party meeting
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.Nigel Farage has described a fellow Ukip MEP’s condition as “serious” after he collapsed during a party meeting at the European Parliament.
Steven Woolfe, a favourite to succeed Mr Farage as leader following the shock resignation of Diane James, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Strasbourg.
Sources reported that he was punched in the face during an “altercation” and then hit his head, with doctors now treating the politician for bleeding on the brain.
There has been no mention of who else was involved in the incident on Thursday morning, which comes during a tumultuous time for the Eurosceptic party.
Mr Farage said: “I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious.”
Mr Woolfe, who would have been celebrating his 49th birthday today, pulled out of Ukip’s post-EU referendum leadership contest after handing in his nomination papers 17 minutes late.
But he re-entered his bid after Mrs James’ resignation after just 18 days in the post earlier this week, leaving Mr Farage as the interim head of the party once more.
The influential Ukip donor, Arron Banks, is among those backing Mr Woolfe, describing him as “the one candidate who can do it”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments