ONE of Britain's richest men is set to lead the UK Independence Party's (UKIP) 2015 General Election campaign.

Paul Sykes, of Ripon, North Yorkshire, whose fortune was estimated in 2010 to be £650m from his various vehicle, property and internet interests, will head up the team focusing on key target seats, as well as developing the overall national campaign.

The 71-year-old businessman, who reportedly had Robbie Williams performing at his birthday party last year, was a major contributor to UKIP’s campaign for the European Elections earlier this year, which saw UKIP win one of the three North East seats and three of the six Yorkshire seats.

UKIP chairman Steve Crowther said former Conservative Party supporter Mr Sykes' experience would be invaluable to the party.

He said: “Paul has played a huge role in our successes this year, and we are delighted to have him on board for the big one – our drive to get UKIP MPs into Parliament next May."

Mr Sykes added: “Only by electing UKIP MPs to the House of Commons can we hope to start getting back control of our own borders from the EU, and making our own laws in our own Parliament, and once again become a truly self-governing democracy.”