17 Nov 2013

UKIP leader needing back surgery

9:01 am on 17 November 2013

UKIP leader Nigel Farage is to have an operation to treat back injuries caused by an air crash on election day in May 2010.

The BBC reports Mr Farage had to cancel an appearance at the party's North East regional conference after ongoing back problems flared up.

In a video message to delegates on Friday night, he said he was seriously incapacitated. He added that doctors had told him his workload had exacerbated the problems.

Mr Farage said it was important to get treatment so he could play a full part in next European and local elections next May and the general election in 2015.

It is understood that he will have an operation on Tuesday.