Ukip leadership contender Paul Nuttall has won the backing of Thanet District Council’s ruling group.

Mr Nuttall announced he was to stand in the contest this morning.

He said he was the best person to unite the party and could bring the factions together but warned it faced an existential crisis.

“If Ukip does not unite, it won’t be around for much longer,” he warned.

He quickly received a fillip in the form of an endorsement from the Ukip group that has run Thanet council since 2015.

A statement released by council leader Chris Wells - who had hinted he might stand himself - said Mr Nuttall was the outstanding candidate who could bring the party together.

“Ukip Thanet wholeheartedly welcomes Paul Nuttall's announcement today that he will enter the leadership race. He will attract the support of MEPs, councillors and assembly members across the land, and, more importantly, fire the imagination and enthusiasm of party members.”

He added: “In supporting Paul we can all put the antics of London’s warring factions behind us, and truly grow the People’s Army across the country. From Manchester to Margate, Hartlepool to Liverpool, or Thurrock to Cannock, Paul Nuttall’s Ukip can grow an electoral revolution across the length and breadth of our land, not focused, as are others, on the unrepresentative lives of London’s elite.”

He went on: “As Ukip’s only majority council, we will endorse, nominate, support and encourage Paul's campaign.”

Earlier, Suzanne Evans said she too wanted to be leader but remarks she made about it being divided and there had been "too much testosterone" saw Nigel Farage declare: "I won't be voting for her."