Nigel Farage launches coup to remove Gerard Batten as Ukip leader over Tommy Robinson appointment

Nigel Farage, pictured earlier this month, has vowed to 'get rid' of Gerard Batten as Ukip leader (Picture: Jean-Francois Badias/AP)

Nigel Farage has vowed to launch a coup against Ukip leader Gerard Batten after he appointed far-right activist Tommy Robinson as an advisor.

Mr Farage said on Friday that he would be submitting a letter of no confidence in Mr Batten, promising to “get rid of him”.

On Thursday, Mr Batten appointed English Defence League founder Mr Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as his advisor on rape gangs and prison reform.

Mr Farage, the former Ukip leader who brought the party into the mainstream in the 2000s, told BBC Radio 4 Today: “I’m appalled.

Nigel Farage, pictured earlier this month, has vowed to 'get rid' of Gerard Batten as Ukip leader (Jean-Francois Badias/AP)

“Gerard Batten has got this sort of fixation with Tommy Robison, and discussing Islam, and dragging Ukip into the direction of effectively being a street activist party.”

Asked if Mr Robinson’s appointment would kill the party, Mr Farage said: “I haven’t given up yet. I will be writing to the National Executive Committee of the party today and urging we have a vote of no confidence in Gerard Batten as leader, that we get rid of him.

Tommy Robinson has been appointed as an advisor to Ukip leader Gerard Batten (Simon Dawson/Reuters)

“We will have one last go at getting rid of somebody who as leader is dragging us in a shameful direction.

“I’m going to fight, try and save it, but if it continues in this direction, electorally it is finished.”

Gerard Batten has been Ukip leader since April this year (PA)

Mr Farage, who had three different stints as Ukip leader, didn't say whether he would stand again to head the party.

Asked if he was a hypocrite as the person "who started Ukip down this path", particularly during the EU referendum campaign, Mr Farage said: "I wanted to talk about real issues, issues politicians are afraid of: mass immigration, the growth of terrorism across Europe."

Of Mr Robinson's appointment, Mr Batten said: "I have appointed Tommy Robinson to be a personal special advisor on two subjects which he has great knowledge.

"It is not necessary for him to be a party member in order to assist me in this role. I am looking forward to working with him."

On Sunday, Mr Batten proposed a motion for members to vote on Mr Robinson being allowed to join the party as a member.

But the party decided to defer the motion until after March 29 next year "in light of the recent Brexit negotiations".