UKIP's ruling national executive committee (NEC) has unanimously backed a vote of no confidence in party leader Henry Bolton.

Mr Bolton has faced repeated calls to quit over offensive texts sent by his former girlfriend.

But he has said he will defy the committee and continue as leader, as a contest would finish the party.

The committee does not have the power to remove him - that can only be done by a vote of the party's membership.

A UKIP spokesman said: "The committee took the decision to hold a vote of no confidence in the leadership of Henry Bolton.

"The vote was carried unanimously with the exception of the leader.

"This decision will automatically trigger an Emergency General Meeting of the party, to allow the membership of UKIP the democratic opportunity to decide to endorse or reject that vote of no confidence."