John Whittaker was elected as the party's North West MEP in 2004. His earlier career included a period in business followed by 20 years as an economist at various universities. With a family background of manufacturing in Lancashire, he joined UKIP in 1995, concerned at the way small businesses and jobs are damaged by overbearing regulations and unnecessary bureaucracy.

"As people become more conscious of the extent to which the European Union now governs Britain, they are also becoming increasingly disillusioned with the old political parties and the whole political process. UKIP represents the millions who believe in small government, low taxation, freedom of choice and political independence from Europe. As the recession deepens, our agenda for reviving the British economy and society becomes ever more urgent."