UKIP leader Nigel Farage has said he will not be standing in the Newark by-election, sparked by disgraced former Tory minister Patrick Mercer's decision to quit over a cash-for-questions scandal.

Ukip has come under scrutiny for reportedly accepting donations from a controversial businessman it had previously distanced itself from due to his "unpalatable" views.

Channel 4 News claims that the party accepted a donation as recently as December 2013 from Demetri Marchessini - who is seen below telling the broadcaster that women should not be allowed to wear trousers.