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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| He said their romance was "obviously quite incompatible" with his role as party leader but he had no intention of resigning. | |
| 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 it was against UKIP's constitution "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. | 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, becoming the party's fourth leader in 18 months. | |
| Senior party members have questioned Mr Bolton's judgement, calling his private life an "unhelpful distraction". | Senior party members have questioned Mr Bolton's judgement, calling his private life an "unhelpful distraction". |
| Mr Bolton told BBC Breakfast Ms Marney's 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. | 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. | 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. | Asked about Ms Marney's suspended party membership, he said he would support whatever decision the investigation came to. |
| Mr Bolton, 54, said the 25-year-old model had been suspended immediately after the party found out about the comments. | |
| The messages were sent three weeks before the couple began their relationship, according to the Mail on Sunday. | |
| They confirmed their relationship in a letter to UKIP supporters earlier this month. | |
| Responding to party criticism, Mr Bolton said certain individuals "should start working towards the betterment of the party itself, working as part of a team rather than coming up with divisive and self interested comments". |