This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37572377
The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| UKIP's Steven Woolfe in hospital 'after altercation' | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| UKIP leadership hopeful Steven Woolfe was taken to hospital following an altercation at a meeting of party MEPs, interim leader Nigel Farage has said. | |
| In a statement he said Mr Woolfe had "subsequently collapsed" and his "condition is serious". | |
| Mr Woolfe, MEP for the North West, was taken to hospital in Strasbourg for tests. | |
| Mr Woolfe announced on Wednesday he will stand for the party's leadership after Diane James stepped down. | |
| In his statement, Mr Farage said: "I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious." | |
| 'Shocked' | |
| Mr Woolfe, who celebrates his 49th birthday today, is said to have been taken ill after walking out of a vote at the parliament in Strasbourg. | |
| The other candidate to have declared so far, Raheem Kassam, tweeted his best wishes for Mr Woolfe, as did ex deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans. | The other candidate to have declared so far, Raheem Kassam, tweeted his best wishes for Mr Woolfe, as did ex deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans. |
| Mr Kassam tweeted that he had cancelled his appearance on BBC2's Daily Politics "out of respect" for Mr Woolfe, following reports he had been taken ill. | |
| He added: "I really hope @Steven-Woolfe is okay. Plz send him your best wishes." | |
| Ms Evans, who is said to be considering her own leadership bid, tweeted: "Shocked to hear Steven Woolfe has apparently collapsed in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Wishing him well for a speedy recovery." | |
| Bill Etheridge, a former UKIP leadership contender and an MEP for the West Midlands and Dudley, tweeted: "Hoping all is well and wishing @Steven_Woolfe all the best after he was taken ill today in Strasbourg." | |
| Mr Farage said on Wednesday he would return as UKIP's interim leader until a fresh election could be held to find Ms James's successor. | |
| Ms James announced her resignation after just 18 days in the job, citing professional and personal reasons for her decision. | |
| She succeeded Mr Farage on 16 September after he resigned following the Brexit vote. |