Ukip's Steven Woolfe 'feeling brighter' after 'hitting head on wall during altercation'

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Ukip leadership favourite Steven Woolfe is recovering in hospital after he collapsed in European Parliament following an "altercation".

Mr Woolfe hit his head on a wall during an altercation with a fellow party MEP and collpased shortly afterwards, according to ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston.

Ukip MEP Mike Hookem is understood to be the politician who was involved in the "altercation" with Woolfe.

Mr Woolfe had been in a "serious" condition and is said to have had two epileptic-like fits.

But the MEP for North West later released a statement saying he is "sitting up" and "and feeling "brighter, happier and smiling as ever".

The MEP for the North West was taken ill after walking out on a vote at the European Parliament. Credit: ITV News

A CT scan also showed there was no blood clot on his brain and he is being kept in hospital overnight for "secondary tests", he said.

He added: "I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the UKIP MEPs with me and hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional.

"The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face."

Ukip MEP Mike Hookem is said to have had an 'altercation' with Mr Woolfe. Credit: PA

On Twitter, Mr Woolfe also thanked people for their good wishes and "care and love".

Mr Woolfe was taken ill after walking out on a vote at the European Parliament following an "altercation" with fellow Ukip MEPs, party leader Nigel Farage said.

Fellow leadership contender Raheem Kassem earlier said he was in a "life threatening" condition.

In a statement, Mr Farage said he "deeply regretted" the incident, which happened on Mr Woolfe's 49th birthday.

It is understood that Mr Woolfe passed out after suffering what were described as two "epileptic-like fits" as well numbness on the left hand side of his body.

Earlier a Ukip spokesman said: "Steven Woolfe MEP was taken suddenly ill in the European Parliament building in Strasbourg this morning.

"He has been taken to hospital in the city and he is undergoing tests."

Suzanne Evans, Ukip's former deputy chair who is said to be considering her own leadership bid, tweeted:

It comes a day after Mr Woolfe put himself forward as a contender to be the next Ukip leader following the shock resignation of Diane James.

He was barred from standing in the last leadership contest after submitting his nomination papers 17 minutes late.

His announcement came as Nigel Farage confirmed he would be carrying on as interim leader until a permanent successor was in place.