Don’t use social media, Ukip members are warned

Ukip members have been warned not to use social media in an apparent attempt to stem the flood of inappropriate or bigoted comments from supporters and candidates.

As Nigel Farage’s party updated its rules aimed at controlling use of its logo on the internet, Steve Crowther, the Ukip chairman, said his approach to sites such as Facebook and Twitter was “just don’t”.

The party has been the target of spoof accounts set up by its critics, and has also come under fire for comments made by its own supporters.

Just this month Kerry Smith, the Ukip candidate for South Basildon & East Thurrock, had to step down after leaked recordings emerged of him mocking gay party members as “poofters”, joking about shooting people from Chigwell,