One of the candidates in the Ukip leadership race has dropped out, as nominations for the role close.

Raheem Kassam, a former aide to Nigel Farage, has quit the race three days after launching his campaign in a Westminster pub.

Kassam, who billed his campaign as a bid to "Make Ukip Great Again", instead urged his supporters to back former London mayoral candidate Peter Whittle.

Nominations for the party's top job closed at midday on Monday.

In a statement, Kassam said: "As of today, I am formally suspending my campaign for Ukip leader.

"After much consideration, I have decided not to pursue my campaign to be Ukip leader any further.

"This was a very difficult decision, and I want to thank everyone who supported me in the process."

He added: "It is a decision I have not taken lightly, but following meetings this weekend I realised the path to victory is too narrow.

"I would encourage my supporters to back Peter Whittle, who I think would make a fantastic leader of the party."

Kassam had received the backing of Ukip's biggest donor Aaron Banks but the candidate said he "never discussed money."

He also accused journalists of "intimidating" his family.

Kassam launched his campaign on Friday from behind the bar at the Westminster Arms pub, declaring "amateur hour is over".

Ukip's only Scottish MEP, David Coburn, had previously hinted at a bid for the leadership but his campaign has so failed to materialise.

The new leader will be announced on November 28, with MEP Paul Nuttal and the party's former deputy chairwoman Suzanne Evans considered the most likely contenders.