Pic: Steven Woolfe Left
Political reporter(wp/es):
Politicians across all parties have offered their support for Steven Woolfe after he was rushed to hospital in a “serious” condition after allegedly being punched.
Conservative, Labour and SNP MPs are among a flood of well-wishers who have tweeted their solidarity with the Ukip MEP.
Mr Woolfe is undergoing tests after suffering a suspected bleed on the brain following an altercation at the European Parliament building in Strasbourg.
Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage revealed an argument had taken place after Ukip initially said the 49-year-old was taken ill.
He said: “I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of UKIP MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is serious.”
Labour MP Toby Perkins tweeted: “Terrible to hear Steven Woolfe hospitalised after fight with UKIP colleague. Hope he is OK.
While Tory Nadhim Zahawi wrote: “Shocking news about Steven Woolfe. I have debated him, always courteous & a decent man. Does not deserve this. Praying for a swift recovery.”
SNP representative Peter Grant posted: “I hope even UKIP's strongest opponents (of which I am one) can set aside differences & pray for Steven Woolfe and his family.”
And Labour’s Paula Sherriff added: “Hope @Steven_Woolfe makes a full and speedy recovery. Thoughts with him and his family
Roberta Metsola, a MEP in Malta, wrote: “Wishing #UKIP MEP @Steven_Woolfe a speedy recovery after he collapsed at #EPlenary & is in serious condition after altercation in Parliament.”
The Evening Standard understands the fight happened outside the meeting of 22 Ukip MEPs where Mr Woolfe had been arguing with another MEP.
Afterwards he told a colleague he was “all right” but that it had been “a difficult meeting”. His last words to the colleague were: “I’m off to vote.”
Mr Woolfe has been identified as the hot favourite to succeed Diane James as leader of the party.
He announced he would stand for the leadership on Wednesday and was quickly endorsed by the party’s key donor Arron Banks.
However, he admitted that he had considered joining the Conservatives after becoming “enthused” by the start of Theresa May’s premiership.
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