The chance of California splitting into three has moved a step closer after a billionaire secured enough signatures to trigger a referendum on the issue.

Tim Draper, who made his money through Hotmail and Skype, has gathered 600,000 signatures supporting the change – way above the 364,000 needed.

Those who want to break up California believe it would boost educational standards and reduce the political power of Sacramento, the state’s capital.

Providing the state authorities agree the signatures are genuine a referendum on the issue will be held this November alongside other mid-term elections.

Mr Draper met Nigel Farage, the former Ukip leader, just weeks after Britain voted to leave the European Union in 2016 to see how he could replicate the Brexit campaign’s success.

A source close to Mr Farage said he would be willing to campaign ahead of the referendum if asked. He has a right-wing following in America thanks to his regular Fox News appearances.