ONE of Yorkshire's MEP's has resigned his position as Assistant Deputy Leader of UKIP over the controversy of leader Henry Bolton.

Mike Hookem stood down from the role on Friday, but only announced it today as he wanted to give Mr Bolton the "opportunity to do the honourable thing and resign."

Mr Bolton, 53, has been under pressure since it emerged that his girlfriend Jo Marney, 25, sent offensive texts about Prince Harry's Fiance Meghan Markle.

He says they have since split up, but this has not satisfied many members of the party.

Mr Hookem said: "Rather than media reports being focused on the hard work of the party and our members in fighting for Brexit, the story has become about the leader’s personal life. This is unfair to all those who have put so much time, effort and money into our party. I now urge Mr Bolton to stand down as a matter of priority, for the good of the party and the grassroots membership."

Mr Bolton is UKIP's fifth leader since the EU referendum.