UKIP GET SPLITTING HEADACHE

28-05-2007

The Stirrer’s been hearing some intriguing gossip about UKIP – not least the suggestion that their West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass could be about to reject the leadership of Nigel Farage. Nattrass is also due to face an industrial tribunal, and could face grass roots moves to deselect him.

Our sources suggest that a number of senior UKIP figures are unhappy with Farage, accusing him of being rather too willing to accept the reality of the EU, instead of fighting against it in accordance with the members’ wishes.

Nattrass and former party leader Roger Knapman (an MEP in the South-West) are among a group apparently preparing to form some kind of party within a party, reflecting their disillusionment with the direction at the top.

They will, we are told, remain within UKIP, whilst breaking from the party in the European parliament. At least two other MEPs will join them.

Watch this space.

One thing we know for sure is that on June 11, Natrass will face a claim for unfair dismissal from his former regional organiser Dennis Brookes, who was summarily dismissed last Autumn.

Attempts at arbitration by ACAS failed, and it's expected that after a preliminary hearing this week, a full-blooded (and possibly bloody) employment tribunal will follow.

In the immediate aftermath of Brookes’ departures, Natrass narrowly survived two no confidence votes among grass roots members, and there are suggestions that moves could be made to de-select him ahead of the next Euro elections in 2009.

We shall see.

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