Mike Hookem formally reprimanded after Stephen Woolfe altercation, but the former MEP is blamed for starting the fight
An investigation into an "altercation" between two Ukip MEPs said it was not possible to verify what happened when they clashed at the European Parliament earlier this month, but blamed former party member Steven Woolfe for kicking off the argument.
Ukip chairman Paul Oakden said that MEPs Steven Woolfe and Mike Hookem "brought the party into disrepute" when news broke of an argument that later saw Woolfe collapse and end up in hospital.
In a report released this afternoon, it was noted "Woolfe instigated the altercation by suggesting that he and Mr Hookem deal with their differences 'man to man'," and that a majority of members in the meeting thought he was trying to pick a physical fight.
A formal reprimand will be placed on Hookem's internal record, but no further action will be taken.
Oakden said he was only able to judge "the decision of Mr Hookem to join Mr Woolfe in the ante room".
"In the absence of eye witnesses, the true facts of what took place in the ante room itself are impossible to determine and neither man has made an official complaint to the party over the incident."
Oakden said he was "appalled that such a situation could arise" and he had strongly considered a suspension for Hookem.
No action can be taken against Woolfe, who left the party following the incident, claiming it was in a "death spiral". The report notes that if he had remained in the party, he would have been passed over to a disciplinary panel for further investigation of his comments in the Daily Mail.
Oakden said the investigation was now closed.
The news comes hours after the EU parliament said it would be referring the incident between the MEPs to police.