Nigel Farage has suggested the future of UKIP rests on a crunch vote next month, telling the party: "Simply, it's reform or die".

The former leader claimed UKIP could be "worthless" in 18 months without an overhaul of the party's structures.

Current leader Henry Bolton is refusing to resign despite a vote of no confidence in him being passed by UKIP's ruling body, and multiple resignations from his team of spokespeople.

Mr Bolton is now placing the fate of his leadership in a ballot of 24,000 party members, who will decide whether to endorse or reject the verdict of UKIP's national executive committee (NEC) at an emergency general meeting, scheduled for next month.

In refusing to quit, the former army officer has vowed to reform UKIP and, repeating an oft-used phrase of US President Donald Trump, promised to "drain the swamp".


Image: Mr Farage says the party is being run by 'a group of amateurs'

Despite not supporting Mr Bolton's leadership outright, Mr Farage is, however, backing the 54-year-old's decision to ignore the NEC's vote of no confidence.

He told Sky News: "Regardless of whether Bolton wins or not, this is now about more than Henry Bolton.

"This EGM and the run-up to it is the opportunity for, particularly the former leaders, to say to members of the party: 'You know this thing is now an amateur shambles, it doesn't work at virtually any level'.

"This is the chance to put fundamental reform in place, to get a party where a leader can actually lead.

"Because, I think, in their hearts, UKIP members know that's true. Simply, it's reform or die.

"If it goes on being run by a group of amateurs, within 18 months it will be worthless."

Bolton refuses to stand down as UKIP leader

But, casting doubt on Mr Bolton's effectiveness as UKIP leader, Mr Farage added: "Will he succeed? Will he fail? Is he good enough? I don't know."

The row over Mr Bolton has been prompted by the married father-of-three's relationship with his 25-year-old girlfriend Jo Marney.

The model and UKIP activist has been accused of sending racist messages about Prince Harry's fiancee Meghan Markle.

Asked whether he is still in a relationship with Ms Marney, Mr Bolton told Sky News: "My personal life has been put in a box to one side. I am focused entirely on delivering for the party."

In addition to losing Sunday's vote of no confidence by UKIP's NEC, Mr Bolton has seen one resignation after another by party spokespeople in a bid to force him to go.

Image: UKIP leader Henry Bolton has faced a chorus of calls to resign

On Tuesday, MEP Jonathan Bullock joined the ranks of those demanding Mr Bolton stand down as he quit as UKIP energy spokesman.

But the party leader has insisted he will fight on until the ballot of party members, which he revealed has been pencilled in for 17 February.

Asked what it would take for him to stand down, Mr Bolton told Sky News: "It will take a vote of the members at the EGM.

"If that goes against me, then I will stand down.

"It won't be a case of a resignation, that will be the end of my time as leader."