Henry Bolton sets up new political party after being ousted as Ukip leader

The former leader of Ukip has set up a new political party that intends to ‘campaign unceasingly for our full independence from the EU’.

Henry Bolton was ousted as leader of the UK Independence Party last month in the wake of racist messages sent by his girlfriend, Jo Marney.

But rather than stay away from the political arena, Mr Bolton has decided to set up a brand new party called OneNation.

The website for the fledgling party states: ‘There is a need for a truly professional political party that believes in Britain, that preserves our national identity, culture, heritage and confidence and talks our great nation up rather than down; a party dedicated to the full independence of the UK in all areas of law, government and public administration.’

Mr Bolton was removed as Ukip leader following a vote by members of the party at an emergency general meeting last month.

They were unhappy with his handling of the leadership of the party and the controversy that erupted after Ms Marney’s racist messages about Meghan Markle were revealed.

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Ukip’s polling in the latest YouGov polling sees them on just 2% and Mr Bolton wants his new party to claw back some of the influence over Brexit that Ukip has lost.

He added on the OneNation website: ‘Ukip had, until the EU referendum, been seen as just such a party but it has sadly lost its much of its influence and ability to shape national events.’

Mr Bolton confirmed last month that he had rekindled his relationship with Ms Marney after they briefly split following the messages controversy.

Gerard Batten took over as interim leader of Ukip, while a new leadership election is die within 90 days.