UKIP MP released from hospital

One of the UK's members of the European Parliament has been discharged from hospital three days after his collapse following a dust-up with a colleague.

A British Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has been discharged from hospital three days after his collapse following a physical altercation with a colleague.

United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) MEP Steven Woolfe on Thursday was rushed to the Hospital de Hautepierre in Strasbourg, France, after allegedly being punched in the face by fellow party member Mike Hookem during a scuffle at the European Parliament (EP).

Woolfe's spokesperson on Sunday said that the 49-year-old politician was "focused on continuing his recovery and will not be making any further statements today".

The Euro-skeptic party is conducting a review into Thursday's incident, which left Woolfe unconscious and with facial injuries which he claimed were caused by Hookem's assault.

Hookem denied the allegations and said Woolfe banged his head against a doorframe.

"I am innocent. I never threw a punch. I never assaulted him. I will stand my corner," the 63-year-old UKIP defense spokesman and MEP told the BBC.

Hookem also posted a picture of his hands on social media under the text "Can you see any bruising or abrasions?"

Right-wing populist party UKIP - which has 22 members in the EP, more than any other UK party - is facing turmoil following the resignation of its new leader, Diane James, after only 18 days in the post.

James, who was elected leader on September 16, announced she was stepping down last Tuesday, alleging she did not have sufficient authority inside the party.

Her rise to the leadership came in the wake of UKIP's former leader Nigel Farage resigning his post in early July and saying he had fulfilled his political ambitions after winning the so-called "Brexit" referendum to leave the EU.

Following James' resignation, Farage is now once again UKIP's interim chief until a new leader is elected.


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Source: AAP



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