Quentin Williamson

Ukip spokesman, Quentin Williamson, meanwhile, dismissed Mr Helmer's call, saying that "the Tories have had 30 years to persuade people that they can alter the EU from the inside and have some influence over its decisions, and have failed".

Quentin Williamson, spokeswoman for UKIP, confirmed that Cllr Palfrey was a paid up member of the party.

She said: "We would expect our members not to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.

UKIP spokesperson Quentin Williamson said: "The faction which wants to press Robert Kilroy-Silk forward as potential leader has gathered the signatures of 51 branch chairmen to demand an emergency general meeting of the whole party.