THE South Hereford constituency committee of UKIP has been dissolved after its would-be MP quit  citing “personal vendettas” within the party amongst his reasons for doing so.

Today, former branch secretary Derek Preedy told the Hereford Times that some branch members were “disgusted” at the way candidate Kip Waistell had been treated and at the “undemocratic”  treatment of committee in general.

The decision to dissolve was taken by the branch, which covers Hereford and South Herefordshire,  following a  vote of members on Tuesday.

UKIP West Midlands MEP James Carver said he was “happy” to confirm that the branch had voluntarily disbanded.

"Due to negative influences from within, the branch was not functioning according to UKIP's aims and objectives. This positive move allows the reforming of a leaner and fitter local association, to be built around our forward looking, and constructive local activists and members. Then we shall be far better able to represent UKIP's members and supporters in Hereford and South Herefordshire, at this exciting time, building on the superb momentum that we are currently enjoying nationally,” he said.

Mr Preedy said supporters of the dissolution believed circumstances had been “orchestrated purposely” to oust a candidate voted in with 100 per cent support.

“Whilst we could have vetoed this resolution , we voted to close down as we were disgusted with the way Kip had been treated and the undemocratic treatment of the committee in general – it appears that someone’s cage has been rattled,” said Mr Preedy.

Mr Waistell, from Vowchurch,  resigned last month offering “sincere apologies” to his constituency supporters.

 In a letter sent to the Hereford Times he wrote: “There are those within UKIP who have sought from day one to manipulate people against each other in this constituency. I feel a deep regret that as a party we could not rise above such behaviour.”

UKIP has responded by saying “lacklustre”  Mr Waistell “jumped before he was pushed.”

Behind the scenes, Mr Waistell was known to be at odds with UKIP activists over the targeting of seats on Herefordshire Council. 

He thought it counterproductive for UKIP to try and eject Independent councillors he respected and split the vote where Independents were, in turn, targeting seats.