Hamilton close to leading UKIP in Assembly

ITV Wales understands former Conservative MP turned UKIP AM Neil Hamilton has the support of enough members to lead the party in the Assembly.

The new members are set to meet for the first time on Tuesday where it's expected they will decide on a new group leader.

A UKIP insider told ITV Wales that Mr Hamilton is understood to command the support of three fellow members.

They're believed to be Gareth Bennett, Michelle Brown and Caroline Jones.

Mr Hamilton remained tight-lipped when contacted - but several sources within the party have suggested the former Tatton MP has his sights set on the job.

Under party rules UK leader Nigel Farage appoints the party's Welsh leader - currently Nathan Gill, but the group leader is a separate post.