UKIP leadership bid launched in Dalton

Anne Marie Waters, founder of the anti-Islam group Sharia Watch, initially planned to hold her launch event at the Millers home ground on Saturday.

But it was called off days earlier, with Ms Waters citing “police contact”, although South Yorkshire Police insisted it had not advised Rotherham United to pull the plug.

Ms Waters instead welcomed supporters — but not the Advertiser — to see her speak at Dalton Parish Hall.

Jack Buckby, a member of Ms Waters’ For Britain campaign, declined to comment when asked how many people had attended the event.