UKIP’s general secretary - who was once due to stand for election to become Mole Valley's MP - has been suspended over impropriety allegations.

The party sanctioned Roger Bird on Sunday after a claim emerged about his actions with regards to candidate selection.

Mr Bird stood as the UKIP candidate for Leatherhead and Fetcham East on Mole Valley Council last May.  He received more than 1,000 votes but finished behind Conservative Tim Hall. 

He was also the prospective parliamentary candidate for UKIP for Mole Valley in the next General Election, until stepping down a year ago.

In a statement on its website, UKIP said: "The UK Independence Party has announced that it suspended its general secretary Roger Bird on the 7th of December following allegations of impropriety.

"Shortly after a claim came to light about the conduct of Mr Bird with regard to candidate selection, the UK Independence Party took action swiftly and decisively, including steps involving external human resources consultants, as well as following due process and the party’s constitution to the letter."

A spokesman added: "Unfortunately, UKIP has had to suspend Mr Bird pending a full investigation into allegations made against him.

"The party has acted swiftly and decisively and will not tolerate impropriety of any kind amongst its staff."