UKIP faces leadership turmoil

The UK Independence Party was in turmoil today amid new moves to force a leadership election.

Party leader Roger Knapman is facing a vote of no confidence after losing the support of key activists.

A total of 50 local branch chairman were said to be preparing to demand an emergency meeting to decide his future.

The move could trigger a formal leadership contest, paving the way for former TV host Robert Kilroy-Silk to make a new bid to seize the top job. But the prospect of a leadership battle months before a general election will dismay many UKIP activists who fear an ugly contest could alienate thousands of voters.

The plot follows months of bitter in-fighting in the fledgling Rightwing party. Mr Kilroy-Silk has made no secret of his ambition to lead the party since its breakthrough at the June European, local and London Assembly elections.

Supporters claim Mr Kilroy-Silk has the backing of 50 branch chairman, twice the number needed to force a confidence motion under UKIP's rules. But Mr Knapman organised a survey of most branch chairmen last month which appeared to show he commanded the backing of more than 109 of them.

A party insider said: "I would be very surprised indeed if this did not result in a leadership election."

London Assembly member Damien Hockney, chairman of UKIP's Kensington and Chelsea branch, said today: "I believe a leadership contest is now inevitable. I will work with anyone who is elected, but I will be voting for Mr Kilroy-Silk."