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UKIP's Steven Woolfe says he's 'fine' after altercation UKIP's Steven Woolfe says he's 'fine' after altercation
(about 1 hour later)
UKIP leadership hopeful Steven Woolfe says he is recovering in hospital after a reported fight at a meeting of the party's MEPs.UKIP leadership hopeful Steven Woolfe says he is recovering in hospital after a reported fight at a meeting of the party's MEPs.
The party released a statement from Mr Woolfe from his Strasbourg hospital bed saying he was sitting up having undergone a precautionary brain scan.The party released a statement from Mr Woolfe from his Strasbourg hospital bed saying he was sitting up having undergone a precautionary brain scan.
UKIP sources said "punches were exchanged" during the row at a party meeting and Mr Woolfe banged his head.UKIP sources said "punches were exchanged" during the row at a party meeting and Mr Woolfe banged his head.
He was taken to hospital two hours later after collapsing, sources said.He was taken to hospital two hours later after collapsing, sources said.
UKIP sources said "a rumbustious argument" had taken place at the MEPs' meeting at the European Parliament over whether Mr Woolfe had been talking to the Conservative Party.UKIP sources said "a rumbustious argument" had taken place at the MEPs' meeting at the European Parliament over whether Mr Woolfe had been talking to the Conservative Party.
"Even the possibility of him talking to the Tory Party some saw as a betrayal and some MEPs were very angry," the sources said."Even the possibility of him talking to the Tory Party some saw as a betrayal and some MEPs were very angry," the sources said.
The BBC was told Mr Woolfe went outside with another MEP where "punches were exchanged".The BBC was told Mr Woolfe went outside with another MEP where "punches were exchanged".
"It is believed that Steven banged his head against a structure - a window or a wall - but he got up," the sources said."It is believed that Steven banged his head against a structure - a window or a wall - but he got up," the sources said.
Following a vote two hours later "he collapsed" and doctors were called and his wife was contacted.Following a vote two hours later "he collapsed" and doctors were called and his wife was contacted.
'Looking well''Looking well'
But speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Woolfe said: "The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain. At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever. UKIP did not deny Mike Hookem, who represents Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, was the MEP who left the room with Mr Woolfe.
A party spokesman told the BBC the events that followed were not witnessed by MEPs.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Woolfe said: "The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain. At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever.
"As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything (is) fine."As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything (is) fine.
"I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the UKIP MEPs with me and hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional."I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the UKIP MEPs with me and hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional.
"I am sitting up and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face. ""I am sitting up and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face. "
Earlier UKIP interim leader Nigel Farage released a statement on Thursday, saying: "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." UKIP interim leader Nigel Farage, who is launching an inquiry into the altercation, said Mr Woolfe "is in a much better place than he was a few hours ago".
"He did collapse coming out of the chamber during the voting session and hit the ground pretty hard..." he said.
"It's been a pretty serious medical incident, but I'm pleased to say he's sitting up in bed and he's feeling a lot better."
Raheem Kassam, the other candidate to have declared for the UKIP leadership so far, tweeted his best wishes for Mr Woolfe, as did ex deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans.Raheem Kassam, the other candidate to have declared for the UKIP leadership so far, tweeted his best wishes for Mr Woolfe, as did ex deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans.
Leadership contestLeadership contest
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. Mr Kassam 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."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."
Diane James said on Twitter: "My thoughts are with @Steven-Woolfe and his wife and daughter at this anxious time and I wish Steven a speedy and full recovery."
Lisa Duffy, who stood in the previous UKIP leadership contest, told the BBC she had known Mr Woolfe before his daughter was born and had attended his wedding: "Today's news is devastating for everybody concerned and I can't possibly speculate on what's actually happened."
Mr Farage said on Wednesday he would return as UKIP's interim leader until a fresh election could be held to find a successor to Diane James.Mr Farage said on Wednesday he would return as UKIP's interim leader until a fresh election could be held to find a successor to Diane James.
Ms James announced her resignation after just 18 days in the job, citing professional and personal reasons for her decision.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.She succeeded Mr Farage on 16 September after he resigned following the Brexit vote.
Mr Woolfe was unable to take part in the previous UKIP leadership race after he missed the deadline for submitting his nomination.Mr Woolfe was unable to take part in the previous UKIP leadership race after he missed the deadline for submitting his nomination.