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Top Ukip figures 'quit' over Henry Bolton's refusal to resign over Jo Marney's 'racist' texts

Ukip leader Henry Bolton with Jo Marney, 25: Twitter
Ukip leader Henry Bolton with Jo Marney, 25: Twitter

Ukip leader Henry Bolton's deputy has quit her post in protest at his refusal to step down, it has been reported.

Margot Parker said Mr Bolton should go "sooner rather than later" as he was leaving the party "in a limbo situation".

The party's immigration spokesman John Bickley also stood down on Monday.

He told LBC: "It would really be in his interests... to go and sort out his personal life and get away from politics."

Ukip's ruling executive backed a motion of no confidence in the party leader on Sunday, a week after it emerged his girlfriend had sent racist messages about Meghan Markle.

Mr Bolton has faced a stream of calls to resign since the messages sent by Jo Marney, 25, were published by the Mail on Sunday.

Separated: Henry Bolton with his wife Tatiana Smurova-Bolton (PA)
Separated: Henry Bolton with his wife Tatiana Smurova-Bolton (PA)

Ms Parker told BBC Radio Northampton that Mr Bolton's personal life "took over the job he was elected to do" and urged him to stand aside.

She said: "It would be quicker and cleaner if he came to the conclusion he could go sooner rather than later.

"This is taking time away from doing the job. This puts the party in a limbo situation."

The East Midlands MEP will continue her role in the European Parliament, the BBC said.

Party members will now decide Mr Bolton's fate in a vote at an emergency meeting in February.

Mr Bolton announced that he had split with Ms Marney on Monday, however, images emerged of the pair together just days later.

Mr Bolton defended the images, insisting the pair were still estranged.

Additional reporting by Press Association.