Ukip leadership hopeful Steven Woolfe in hospital after ‘altercation’ with other Ukip MEPs
Ukip MEP and leadership hopeful Steven Woolfe is on the mend in a hospital in Strasbourg after he collapsed outside the European Parliament earlier this afternoon.
Woolfe was reportedly involved in an 'altercation' with other Ukip MEPs before he collapsed, according to Nigel Farage. "I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital," Farage said.
After undergoing tests at the hospital, Woolfe said a CT scan has shown no blood clot in his brain.
"At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever," he continued.
"As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything is fine."
The MEP 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.
"I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face."
According to media reports, Woolfe was punched repeatedly, and has a bleed on the brain. James Crisp at euractiv.com said on Twitter that an MEP followed Woolfe outside the room where the Ukip meeting was taking place and punched him, causing Woolfe to collapse in front of ITV cameras.
MEP followed Woolfe outside EU Parl room in Stras and punched him outside chamber. Woolfe apparently collapsed in front of ITV cameras
— James Crisp (@JamesCrisp6) October 6, 2016
Woolfe announced yesterday that he intends to run in the Ukip leadership race, prompted by Diane James' decision to stand down just 18 days after being elected to run the party. He previously announced his intention to pursue the leadership – and was widely expected to succeed Farage – but missed the deadline to submit his supporting documentation in August.