UKIP’s battle at the top has broken out into the open very publicly tonight. These apparently coordinated tweets from senior party figures came within a few minutes of each other this evening:

Whoever is briefing against @DouglasCarswell does not have UKIP's best interests at heart. Idea he would do anything "improper" is absurd.

— Patrick O'Flynn (@oflynnmep) May 12, 2015

Those briefing against @DouglasCarswell must stop. He is a man of integrity and honour and that is to be respected.

— Steven Woolfe MEP (@Steven_Woolfe) May 12, 2015

Congrats @DouglasCarswell on your re-election. Followed your advice and nearly made it. Essex will #gopurple

— Tim Aker MEP (@Tim_Aker) May 12, 2015

Glad to see that a bit of a Spartacus moment is happening on twitter among senior UKIP people in support of @DouglasCarswell

— Patrick O'Flynn (@oflynnmep) May 12, 2015

UKIP’s statement earlier today insisted everyone in the party was 100% behind Nigel. These tweets suggest otherwise…