Ukip MEP Janice Atkinson, who attacked 'feckless' welfare families, owes £2,000 in missed child support payments

The politician said she was currently in a dispute with the Child Support Agency over the amount, meant for the upkeep of her teenage son

Ukip MEP Janice Atkinson (left) with party leader Nigel Farage

Another day, another personal Ukip revelation that casts the party’s already questionable policies in fresh hypocritical light.

Janice Atkinson, the MEP who attacked “feckless” parents on welfare benefits for having more children than they can afford, herself owes more than £2,000 in missed child support payments to care for the upkeep of her teenage son.

The politician told Channel 4, who uncovered the seeming discrepancy, that she was currently in a dispute with the Child Support Agency (CSA) over the amount.

She has apparently already been taken to court twice by the CSA for past payments she fell behind on.

Atkinson was elected as an MEP for South East England in May this year, a position paid on average £79,000 a year.

“While it is a bit of a struggle, there is no support whatsoever from this woman,” her ex-husband, Steve Small, who has custody over the two children, said.

“She needs exposing for the type of person she is. It might sound like an estranged ex-husband but she has gone too far.”

Ukip’s manifesto on welfare promises voters that it would “ensure there is an initial presumption of 50/50 shared parenting in child custody matters and grandparents will be given visitation rights”.

According to the documents obtained by the broadcaster, Atkinson has rarely completed her support payments.

Speaking on her behalf, a Ukip spokesperson said: “This is a private family matter which is currently under appeal. Ms Atkinson disputes the claim as she was not earning for the period of the claim. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”