Bloom to sit as independent MEP after furore over ‘sluts’ remark

In a statement, he said he would retain his membership of the party and support his 2004 campaign manager Jane Collins in her attempt to become a Yorkshire Ukip MEP in 2014 and also the candidate for the “likely second seat” the party is expecting to win in the region next year.

That commitment appeared to rule out Mr Bloom from standing himself for what would be a third term in the European Parliament but last night his spokeswoman was unable to clarify his intentions.

His statement said: “I have felt for some time now that the ‘New Ukip’ is not really right for me any more perhaps than New Labour was right for the Dennis ‘The beast of Bolsover’ Skinner.

“However our message is clear. Self Government. Our wonderful and loyal membership will win through with their dedication and hard work. It has been a pleasure to work with them for 15 years.”

Mr Bloom had the Ukip whip suspended following his “sluts” remark at an event at a party conference fringe event on Friday.

He was filmed on the same day hitting a television reporter over the head with a conference brochure.

Party leader Nigel Farage said: “I’m very sorry it has come to this, he’s been with us for 15 years, he’s sat in the European Parliament since 2004, he absolutely 100 per cent believes in everything Ukip stands for and he’s been a good, loyal MEP for us. It’s a sorry state of affairs.”

He added: “I don’t believe in hounding people out of organisations unless they have breached the line on extremism – he most certainly has not done that.”