Ukip has replaced its policy chief, who is in charge of writing the party’s manifesto, with less than four months to go before the general election.
Tim Aker, an MEP and parliamentary candidate for the key marginal of Thurrock, has stepped down to concentrate on his campaigning, and has been replaced by the deputy chair, Suzanne Evans.
There is a battle within Ukip between those who want to modernise the party and others, who want it to stick to its core values.
There have been worries about whether the manifesto will be ready for the party’s spring conference at the end of February.
It is intended to be a fully costed, mature, policy document that shows Ukip has grown up as a party since its 2010 manifesto – which included pledges to make the circle line on London’s underground circular again and to enforce a proper dress code at the theatre.
A party spokesman stressed Aker had not been sacked but decided to stand down. The MEP tweeted: “Delighted to have handed over strong policy brief to the excellent @SuzanneEvans1. Now on to winning #Thurrock in May!”
Evans said Aker was “extremely bright” and had done an excellent job on Ukip policy, adding that it was only his MEP commitments that meant he could not continue.
