> UKip: Still Fruitcakes!

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A recent meeting of the UKIP NEC

A Ukip parliamentary candidate and his branch chairman have resigned after claiming the local party is being infiltrated by what they see as "occultists".



UKIP MEP Jill Seymour in her younger days

Jake Baynes, who was to run in the Somerset city of Wells at next year's general election, said he felt he was being driven out by local members, including a couple based in nearby Glastonbury who practise alternative healing, which they claim is inspired and guided by angels.

Baynes, a teacher who stood at the last general election for Ukip, said: "I do think if someone is saying you are in touch with the angelic realms I have to call into question their judgment.

"Everyone's got their different beliefs. It's not for me to belittle anyone's beliefs. People have different views. But if Ukip is trying to shake off this fruitcake image thing, we're not doing a good job of it."

Graham Livings, who resigned as Ukip's Wells constituency branch chairman, said: "We've been infiltrated by the Glastonbury occult. I've heard a lot of people say locally they won't be voting for Ukip because of this. It needs to be addressed. Jake was an excellent candidate. I'm standing down in solidarity."

UKIP's communications team in action.