UKIP Councillor and Thurrock parliamentary candidate Tim Aker has stood down from his role as the party’s policy chief, just four months before the general election.

Reports this morning suggest that Mr Aker, who is also an MEP for the East of England, was running behind schedule to submit the party’s election manifesto, with a deadline supposedly set for the beginning of this month. The policy is due so it can be costed and reviewed by an independent think tank.

Many have been critical of Mr Aker’s numerous commitments to the party and questioned whether he can juggle his four roles at the same time.

Ukip’s deputy chairwoman, Suzanne Evans, has stepped into complete the manifesto.

Mr Aker said: "Last week I was delighted to hand over a strong policy brief to Suzanne Evans. She will compile the manifesto based on the policies we outlined at the Doncaster conference."