UKIP’s NEC has voted to prevent candidates who have been party members for under five years from running for leader. This is not yet an official motion, but if enforced it means the likes of Suzanne Evans, Peter Whittle, Arron Banks and Raheem Kassam would not be eligible to stand. Nigel Farage aide Michael Heaver explains:

“It would rule out for instance London Assembly Members Peter Whittle and David Kurten, who had both mulled the idea of standing. Suzanne Evans would also would not meet the five-year term even if her suspension was lifted and it would also mean the likes of Arron Banks and Raheem Kassam couldn’t stand either.”

This would leave the contest down to the likes of Steven Woolfe, Neil Hamilton and party director Lisa Duffy. Expect it to be appealed though, Suzanne Evans says: “I cannot imagine a decision more ridiculous”. The UKIP of five years ago is very different to the UKIP of today…