UKIP’s briefing wars have found their way onto the pages of the Times once again. Cringe-worthy tales of well remunerated spinners spending their days pinning a “hand-drawn picture of Mr Farage surrounded by hearts on the wall alongside an ‘I love egg mayonnaise sandwiches’ sign” have been leaked, as well as the salaries of some top UKIP staffers. There is a power struggle going on and no quarter being given. 

Tim Aker was apparently paid £62,000 a year in the policy role, while his close ally and press officer Alexandra Phillips is on £60,000. Grown up party chairman Steve Crowther is paid £36,000, while regional organiser Pete Reeve is paid £28,000 salary by the party. Guido can help fill in the gaps…

The highest paid member of UKIP head office is general secretary Roger Bird on £75,000. Gawain Towler, who has been offered the job of responsibility for liaising with the party’s MPs, has his £80,000 salary paid for by the EFDD. Events manager Lizzy Vaid is on £25,000 and press officer John Gill is on £30,000. Party secretary Matthew Richardson is unpaid, as is treasurer Andrew Reid and deputy chairman Neil Hamilton. UKIP used to just repatriate EU taxpayer cash back home in staffing allowances, but with eyes on Westminster they are having to pay for much more of it themselves…