UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom will not seek re-election in next year's European elections. Mr Bloom, who was suspended from the party last week after making a joke about "sluts" at the party conference, said he would "sit out" the rest of his term in Brussels as an independent.
The news comes as some councillors in North East Lincolnshire called on him to resign over the comments. In a statement, the Yorkshire and Humber MEP said: "I have felt for some time now that the 'New UKIP' is not really right for me anymore perhaps than New Labour was right for the Denis 'The beast of Bolsover' Skinner.
"However our message is clear. Self Government. Our wonderful and loyal membership will win through with their dedication and hard work. It has been a pleasure to work with them for fifteen years.
"May I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the thousands of people who have supported me with messages of good will in the recent months and particularly in recent days. There have been simply too many to make a personal response, forgive me.
"I shall sit out my term as an independent and give my whole hearted support to Jane Collins who is almost certainly going to be the next UKIP MEP and probably a second seat yet to be decided. I shall of course retain my membership. "Onwards and upwards!"
