Hamilton loses out to Gill in UKIP conference row

Neil Hamilton leads UKIP's Assembly group Credit: PA/Senedd TV

UKIP's Assembly leader Neil Hamilton was all set to tell conference delegates in Bournemouth that his group of AMs were providing a template for the party in the rest of the UK to follow. But his speech tomorrow has been cancelled.

Even worse for Mr Hamilton his slot has been given to his arch rival, Nathan Gill. Mr Gill remains the party's overall leader in Wales, even though he now sits as an independent in Cardiff Bay. He's also still a UKIP MEP, despite calls from his fellow AMs -and the party's national executive- to stop double jobbing.

Nathan Gill remains the overall leader of UKIP Wales Credit: PA

The decision to prefer Mr Gill to Mr Hamilton came within minutes of Diane James taking over from Nigel Farage as leader of the national party. UKIP sources are crediting her with the decision, which is a powerful signal that the support Nathan Gill received from Mr Farage will continue under the new leader.

Nigel Farage handing the UKIP leadership to his successor, Diane James Credit: PA

Not for the first time, a UKIP conference served to highlight the party's splits. The day began with Alexandra Phillips, who'd served as Nigel Farge's Head of Media, announcing that she had joined the Conservatives.

Alexandra Phillips had been Nigel Farage's head of media Credit: ITV News Cymru Wales

Ms Phillips relocated to Wales last year to run UKIP's press operation for the Assembly election. She had also hoped to become an AM herself but withdrew after failing to secure top spot on the regional list in South Wales Central.