The Asian candidate who was running to be UKIP’s leader has dropped out blaming the party and media. Raheem Kassam, the former aide to Nigel Farage quit the race, just three days after announcing his intention to run.
The only Asian among the 7 candidates vying for the top job, he was the bookies second favourite to win. Kassam withdrew from the contest, two hours before the submission deadline of nomination papers and the £5000 deposit. He said “the path to victory is too narrow” and blamed senior UKIP officials, who were manoeuvring against him, the media scrutiny and fundraising concerns as reasons to step aside. Kassam has urged supporters to back Peter Whittle in the leadership race.
Including Whittle, there are four candidates contesting for the top job. The leadership results are expected to be announced on 28th November.
