Ukip general secretary Roger Bird in sudden suspension

Ukip has released a statement explaining that its general secretary Roger Bird has been suspended following "allegations of impropriety".

The party did not divulge details of the allegations but explained that a full investigation will be made after a claim came to light about Mr Bird's conduct regarding candidate selection.

Unfortunately, Ukip has had to suspend Mr Bird pending a full investigation into allegations made against him. The party has acted swiftly and decisively and will not tolerate impropriety of any kind amongst its staff.

• Ukip statement

The former Conservative politican is due to stand in the Surrey constituency of Mole Valley at next year's general election and has been the party's general secretary since July.

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