Speculation is mounting that Wirral Euro MP Paul Nuttall has decided to stand for the leadership of Ukip.

The battle for the helm of the party has been much publicised during recent weeks after the resignation of Nigel Farage, and the subsequent decision by replacement leader Diane James to quit after just 18 days.

Another former leadership candidate, Steven Woolfe, a fellow North West England MEP, resigned from the party on Monday.

Mr Nuttall has been an MEP for the region for seven years and is also a former chairman of the party.

Rumours of his intentions were sparked by a tweet this evening from Ukip's multi-millionaire donor Aaron Banks, who claimed that Bootle-born Mr Nuttall was a contender for the leadership role.

Mr Banks, who made his wealth in insurance, is backing Raheem Kassam, the editor of Breitbart London news website, to win.

Mr Nuttall, 39, has been a strong backer of the Wirral Globe's ongoing campaign to scrap the Mersey Tunnels tolls.

He has also been a fierce critic of the expanded wind farm at Burbo Bank off the coast of Meols.

Up until today, he has said he was not going to stand in the leadership contest.

Mr Nuttall is scheduled to appear live on BBC 1's Sunday Politics show with political commentator Andrew Neil tomorrow from 11am.

Ukip colleague and presumed leadership contender Suzanne Evans is also expected to be appearing on Sunday television political debate shows tomorrow morning.

The Globe has attempted to reach Mr Nuttall's representatives for comment.