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Ukip's LGBT chairman steps down
The chair of Ukip's group for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) supporters has quit the party, citing "dissatisfaction at the failure of the leadership to set a gay-friendly tone".
Tom Booker had led the LGBT in Ukip group for three years, but said in a message on Twitter that he was giving up his membership because he found it "increasingly difficult" to defend the party's policies.
"Last night I stepped down as chairman of LGBT in Ukip and gave up my membership of #ukip. I'll remain unaffiliated...for now," said Mr Booker.
"I found that I couldn't defend the party or convincingly campaign for it any more. It became increasingly difficult for me to argue for a non-Classical Liberal manifesto."
Mr Booker later told PinkNews magazine: "I stepped down from my position as founder-chairman of LGBT in Ukip, and resigned my membership of Ukip, due to disillusionment of policy direction and dissatisfaction at the failure of the leadership to set a gay-friendly tone.
"I am proud of my contribution to Ukip. The new LGBT in Ukip committee is excellent, and I hope that the enthusiasm and dedication of the committee will take the group to new heights. I would like to wish them all the best."
Meanwhile, a poll commissioned by Ukip donor Alan Brown put Nigel Farage on course for a resounding win in the Kent seat he is contesting at the general election.
The party leader is on 39% in South Thanet, with Labour on 28% and the Conservatives on 27%, according to the Survation study.
:: Survation polled 1,011 adults in South Thanet by telephone from February 18-20.
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