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UKIP chief Paul Nuttall smiles for a selfie with a leading member of the far-right English Defence League.

Mr Nuttall gave the thumbs up as he posed with extremist thug Andy Edge at an event last year.

Edge, a former leader of Stockport EDL, was convicted in 2014 of violent disorder during a rally. As he was sent down to start a 21-month jail sentence he chanted: “EDL, EDL, EDL.”

Labour MP Alison McGovern said: “For Paul Nuttall to associate himself with far-right extremists like Andy Edge is very concerning and he should immediately clarify these alleged links.

(Image: Facebook)

(Image: Facebook)

“Our grandparents’ generation gave everything to fight against far-right hatred. We can’t let them down now and allow the far-right to rise again.”

The snap was posted on Edge’s Facebook page, where he was also pictured with his arm around former UKIP chief Nigel Farage.

In another shot, he is shown with Mr Farage as the two hold a sign from the Brexit campaign saying, “We want our country back”. Edge also posted a bizarre snap of himself aiming a pistol.

But it is the photo with Mr Nuttall that will bring most embarrassment to UKIP. The new leader is keen to portray a clean-cut image as he ­campaigns for the Stoke Central by-election.

In October this year, Edge claimed he was a UKIP campaign manager, ­something the party denied. A spokesman said: “I’ve spoken to our regional organiser and he has never heard of this man. He met Paul Nuttall at an event in Bolton where hundreds of ­people had their photo taken with him. It’s obvious he is a hard-right troll and nothing to do with us.”