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Steven Woolfe has quit Ukip, abandoning his bid to replace Nigel Farage as leader and branding the party "ungovernable."

The MEP said there was a "poisonous atmosphere" in the party, and said it was "riddled with infighting" between rival factions.

And he told the BBC the party is in a "death spiral" without Nigel Farage at the helm.

It comes after he was treated in hospital for seizures after an 'altercation' at a "clear the air" meeting of the party's MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

In a statement, he said: "I believe that a strong Ukip would hold this government's feet to the fire and make sure it delivers a clean Brexit . However, I have come to the conclusion that Ukip is ungovernable without Nigel Farage leading it and the referendum cause to unite it.

“The way I was treated by members of my own party during the Summer’s leadership campaign and the events that have led up to today have all contributed to me coming to this conclusion. The party is riddled with infighting, proxy wars between rival camps and is run by an NEC that is not fit for purpose."

In a statement, he said he plans to stay on as an independent MEP in the European Parliament once his recovery is complete.

Speaking to the BBC, he said the infighting between rival factions in the wake of Nigel Farage's resignation in September had left the party in a "death spiral" of its own creation.

He added: "I think unless someone very quickly can wrestle with the issues that they’ve got then we will see the loss of something that I think shouldn’t be lost."

Mr Woolfe maintains his injuries came after an altercation with fellow MEP Mike Hookem, who he says was immediately aggressive in the Strasbourg meeting.

He said: "Within minutes of me beginning to address the first question, Mike Hookem, the MEP for Yorkshire, had aggressively shouting at me. Not about that issue but about things that happened during the leadership election and what he blamed as my fault for people attacking him on the internet and him having to make explanations.

Mr Woolfe says he offered to discuss it "man to man" outside the meeting room, but insists he meant verbally, not physically.

As they left the room he claims Mr Hookem "rushed" at him, and a blow to his face forced him backwards through the door.

"I couldn’t see whether it’s a fist, whether it was an open hand, whatever it was," he said. "The point was it was a blow that impacted me in the face as the medical reports will show.

"I was pushed back in to the room and hit my back head against the back of one of the walls that was there and that impact to my head is what the doctors are saying caused the subsequent illness to me."

Meanwhile, Ukip have announced their new leader will be in place by December.

Nominations for the election open today and close at midday on October 31.

Ballots will be sent out to members shortly after November 11 and the winner will be announced on Monday, November 28.

Ahead of the vote, there wil be a series of hustings in the first two weeks of November.

Here's Steven Woolfe's statement in full

(Image: Ukip/PA)

"Six years ago, I joined Ukip. Since then, I have campaigned with all my energy, time and determination to champion the party's core beliefs and values.

"I have been proud to stand in local, general, PCC and London assembly elections - and of course to be elected as a North West MEP.

"I have been proud to be a part of the team led by Nigel Farage, one of Britain's greatest ever politicians. He brought me into the party and helped us win the referendum - a moment I will always treasure. Without Nigel, the donors, the team members and the activists, the UK would not be free today.

"It was because of the support from party members that I put my name forward to lead the party in the Summer, and again two weeks ago following Diane's resignation. However, I could not have foreseen the events that would follow.

"The events at the meeting in Strasbourg led to me later being treated by doctors for two seizures, partial paralysis and loss of feeling in my face and body.

“I would like to thank all of the medical staff in Strasbourg for their impressive and swift treatment. I owe them my life. I would also like to thank my family and friends for their love and support – and also all of the people in politics who have sent me their best wishes.

"Since then, I have spent some time considering my personal and political future.

"It is with deep sorrow and regret that I am aborting my leadership campaign and announcing my resignation from Ukip with immediate effect.

"I believe that a strong Ukip would hold this government's feet to the fire and make sure it delivers a clean Brexit . However, I have come to the conclusion that Ukip is ungovernable without Nigel Farage leading it and the referendum cause to unite it.

“The way I was treated by members of my own party during the Summer’s leadership campaign and the events that have led up to today have all contributed to me coming to this conclusion. The party is riddled with infighting, proxy wars between rival camps and is run by an NEC that is not fit for purpose.

"Once my recovery is complete, it is my intention to sit as an independent MEP in the European Parliament.

"I will continue to represent my constituents in the European Parliament until the UK's exit from the EU in 2019. I will champion the values I hold dear - those of freedom, democracy and an independent United Kingdom.

"With regards to the highly regrettable events in Strasbourg, I will reiterate my position that I received a blow from Mr Hookem that knocked me back into the meeting room and caused my subsequent injuries. Contrary to reports, I have made a police complaint.

"I am now seeking legal advice in respect of the investigations and will not be commenting further on the matter until the completion of those investigations."