Friday, 5th September 2008

Paul Nuttall

UKIP has appointed its youngest ever Chairman, it was announced at the party’s annual conference in Bournemouth. He is 31-year-old Paul Nuttall, from Merseyside.

Mr Nuttall has been a member of UKIP since 2004 and formed the party’s South Sefton branch in 2005. Since then he has stood in one general election and three local elections, taking 38% of the vote in Bootle last time.

A former history lecturer, Mr Nuttall has for the past two years worked in Brussels with UKIP’s MEPs and their team of researchers and assistants.

He said it was a great honour to be appointed UKIP’s chairman, but “It is a huge job to take on, especially at a time which most people consider to be the most important in UKIP’s history.

"It is vital not only for UKIP that we get it right, but also for our great nation."

Mr Nuttall said his appointment was "a clear break with the past" and he had the opportunity to approach the role with "a new broom".

He added: "We need to look to the future as a professional, confident and united party. If we do, I am sure we will reap the benefit at next year's European elections and beyond."    

He succeeds Dr John Whittaker MEP, to whom he paid tribute: "John Whittaker has been my mentor in many ways.  Many thanks are due to him for the tremendous work he has done in taking the party forward."

Paul Nuttall's appointment as Chairman was formally approved by the National Executive Committee at its meeting on 8 September.

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