ROBERT Kilroy-Silk has admitted that his campaign to secure the leadership of the UK Independence Party has reached a stalemate.

The former Labour MP and daytime television presenter, picturedleft, has been a UKIP MEP since May, but has made no secret of his wish to lead the party.

During a televised interview yesterday he said the membership of the party had the power to force a leadership election.

However, current leader Roger Knapman says Mr Kilroy-Silk faces humiliation if he presses ahead with his bid.

Mr Kilroy-Silk said: "I think we have a great political moment and I think we have the opportunity with UKIP to be a serious political party and to have a major impact on British politics.

"The members have the ability in their hands to force an extraordinary general meeting, and through that to force an election.

"I'm told there is majority support within the party."