Anti-Islam candidate among contenders to lead Britain's UKIP

Eleven candidates are vying to lead Britain's right-wing UK Independence Party, including the founder of an anti-Islam organisation.

Anne Marie Waters, founder of a group called Sharia Watch, is on the list announced late yesterday despite opposition from some UKIP members.

Party leaders blocked her from being a candidate in June's national election, citing her views on Islam.

UKIP opposes Britain's European Union membership, and played a key role in bringing about the 2016 referendum sukthat ended in a decision to leave the bloc.

The party has struggled since achieving its main goal. It has no members of Parliament, and lacks a potential leader as well-known as ex-chief Nigel Farage.
 

Members will choose a new leader next month.