Ukip chief executive Will Gilpin stands down after eight months in job

Former RAF pilot had been tasked with making party look more professional

A former RAF pilot hired to help the UKIP party become more professional behind the scenes has stood down as chief executive “by mutual agreement” after just eight months in the job.

A UKIP spokesman said Will Gilpin's rolling contract would not be continued with the party.

Mr Gilpin was appointed in December last year to make the party sound and appear more professional.

Upon his appointment, he told the BBC that his role would be to "deal with the inertia of a party that is used to doing things in a very relaxed, very unco-ordinated manner".

Party sources said that Mr Gilpin was hoping to return to corporate IT which he had left in December, a job “he is far better suited to”.

The party reportedly suggested that Mr Gilpin had struggled to adapt to working at a smaller organisation whose “DNA is individualistic”.

Mr Gilpin is said to have left on good terms.

A UKIP spokesman told the BBC: “We thank him for his time, effort and the hard work he has put in and wish him all the best for the future.”

After his appointment last year, Mr Gilpin said his job was to “deal with the inertia of a party that is used to doing things in a very relaxed, very uncoordinated manner”.

UKIP member Stuart Wheeler caused controversy last week when he said women were less able than men in games such as chess and poker. His comments came amid public anger at UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom, who said British aid funds were being distributed to "Bongo Bongo Land".

It is not yet known who will replace him.