Peter Whittle has withdrawn from the race to become the next leader of the Ukip.

Writing on Facebook, Mr Whittle said he had come to the decision after "a great deal of thought".

"To meet the new challenges which the future holds, UKIP needs a leader who knows the party inside out and who can command the loyalty of members across the board."

He also recommended that his supporters vote for Paul Nuttall as he now believes him to be "the person who is best placed to take us forward".

Mr Whittle's departure leaves Mr Nuttall and Suzanne Evans as the main candidates left in the leadership race.