A MAJOR stand-off has developed between senior Ukip figures and the party’s only MP over public money they are entitled to receive.

Ukip is entitled to around £650,000 of what’s known as 'Short money' which goes to opposition parties to help finance their backroom operations.

Douglas Carswell was approached by Ukip’s party secretary on Monday and asked to recruit 15 extra staff for his parliamentary office. Mr Carswell told the BBC, “I am not a US senator,” adding, “I don’t need 15 staff.”

“Ukip is supposed to be different,” he explained.

The last time Ukip were at odds with themselves was over money when members didn’t like their donations fully going to Nigel Farage to further his political career.

Ukip are very good at spending public money, from this latest twist to spending European money to fund the opening of their regional European offices. Both establishments Ukip wants to shake up, when in fact they are the first to dive into the money pit.

Andrew Nutt, Heolddu Road, Bargoed