Embarrassments do not make UKIP a shambles, says Neil Hamilton

The contenders (clockwise from top left): Peter Whittle, Suzanne Evans, John Rees-Evans and Paul Nuttall

Recent events surrounding UKIP have been embarrassing for the party, its leader in Wales Neil Hamilton has said.

But he said Diane James's resignation as leader and Steven Woolfe's departure did not make all of UKIP a "shambles".

The four candidates to succeed Ms James will debate in Newport on Thursday.

The favourites are ex-deputy leader Paul Nuttall and ex-deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans while Welsh activist John Rees-Evans and London assembly member Peter Whittle are also standing.

Ms James was elected as Nigel Farage's successor in September, winning almost half of the membership vote.

But she stepped down 18 days later, citing professional and personal reasons.

The favourite to take over, MEP Mr Woolfe, was hospitalised after an "altercation" with his UKIP colleague Mike Hookem at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

He later resigned from the party, saying UKIP was in a "death spiral" and was "ungovernable" without Nigel Farage.

Neil Hamilton says UKIP AMs are working hard and having an impact in Cardiff Bay

Mr Hamilton is backing Mr Nuttall for the leadership but said he could "happily" work with Ms Evans, telling BBC Wales the party was not ungovernable.

"I think it was obviously very embarrassing as a party for Diane James to be elected and then resign after 18 days," he said.

"It was certainly more than embarrassing for Steven Woolfe to get involved in the famous altercation in the European Parliament.

"And the fact that a few individuals have fallen short of what we would prefer to have happened doesn't indicate that the rest of the party is a shambles as well.

"There's no problem governing UKIP at all.

"We want a leader of UKIP not just a revolving door. In Paul Nuttall we've got what I wanted from the very start.

"He's got all the experience and political nous to make a great success of the job. It is a convincing contest this time.

"Suzanne Evans is an extremely competent performer in the media. I could work very happily with Suzanne."

UKIP AMs Caroline Jones, Dave Rowlands, Michelle Brown and Gareth Bennett are also backing Mr Nuttall.

Mark Reckless and ex-UKIP Wales leader MEP Nathan Gill are staying neutral.