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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| UKIP leader splits with partner after Meghan Markle texts | UKIP leader splits with partner after Meghan Markle texts |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| UKIP leader Henry Bolton says he has ended his relationship with his girlfriend after she reportedly made racist comments about Meghan Markle. | UKIP leader Henry Bolton says he has ended his relationship with his girlfriend after she reportedly made racist comments about Meghan Markle. |
| Jo Marney had sent texts saying black people were ugly and Prince Harry's fiancee would "taint" the Royal Family. | Jo Marney had sent texts saying black people were ugly and Prince Harry's fiancee would "taint" the Royal Family. |
| Mr Bolton said the couple's relationship was "obviously quite incompatible" with his role as party leader. | |
| "It is against the constitution for the party to be racist in any way." | "It is against the constitution for the party to be racist in any way." |
| Ms Marney apologised in the Mail on Sunday for her remarks and claimed they were taken out of context. | |
| The former army officer took over as UKIP leader in September. | |
| Senior party members have questioned Mr Bolton's judgement, calling his private life an "unhelpful distraction". | |
| Mr Bolton told BBC Breakfast the comments were made "some time ago". | |
| He said they were "utterly indefensible" but there was "some context to them" which will be revealed in time. | |
| Mr Bolton added that no context "defends or justifies" some of the comments made adding he was "appalled and shocked" when he first heard them. | |
| Asked about Ms Marney's suspended party membership, he said he would support whatever decision the investigation came to. |