The BBC has spoken to a close associate of the Brexit donor Arron Banks, discussions which have raised questions about whether he had business contacts with Russia.

James Pryor worked with Mr Banks on the Brexit campaign and helped to manage his businesses in Africa.

He said that Mr Banks had sought Russian investment for his South African diamond mines. He later refuted his claim on camera after being played recordings of his previous conversations he had had with the BBC reporter Manveen Rana.

Mr Banks denied seeking or having any Russia investors. He also rejected suggestions that he should give more detail about the source of the funding he provided for the Brexit campaign.