UKIP’s group in the European Parliament, the EFDD, has collapsed following the departure of a Latvian MEP Iveta Grigule.

Parliamentary groups must have over 25 MEPs from at least seven different countries, and Ms Grigule’s departure means the EFDD now only represent six countries. The loss of group status will mean less funding and less speaking time for UKIP MEPs, especially for former group leader Nigel Farage.

Commenting on the news, Liberal Democrat MEP Catherine Bearder said:

“It’s not surprising that UKIP has lost friends and alienated people in the European Parliament. Just like his new MP, Nigel Farage will now have to shout from the back benches – that is if he actually bothers to turn up.”