A COMMENT by Nigel Farage was backtracked after he labelled ex-Saints chairman and Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe pulling out as a candidate at the 11th hour “disgusting behaviour”.

It comes after Brexit Party leader Mr Farage previously said his respect for Mr Lowe had “gone completely” after he confirmed his withdrawal in Dudley North as the nomination deadline passed on November 14.

Nigel Farage apologises after ex-Saints chairman and Brexit Party MEP Rupert Lowe pulls out as candidate

Now, he wants to withdraw “any negative comments” about the former Southampton FC chairman, whose actions prevented the Brexit Party fielding a replacement candidate in the seat.

Mr Farage told the Daily Echo: “I was very shocked and disappointed when I heard that Rupert Lowe had withdrawn his candidacy in Dudley North, particularly as I had met with him two days before.

“Since that time, I have learnt that Party Chairman, Richard Tice, was aware of this prospect.

“I have known Rupert Lowe for some time and am happy to withdraw any negative comments made on that day about his behaviour, particularly any suggestion that he may have acted dishonestly.”

Rupert said: "I'm delighted that Nigel has withdrawn the negative comments he made about me regarding my candidacy in Dudley North.

"The Party Chairman was informed in good time of my intentions but a misunderstanding between Nigel and the Chairman led to the subsequent confusion.

"I was acting in the country's best interest, nothing else. In no way did I act dishonestly and I’m pleased Nigel recognised this."

Rupert became the Saints chairman in the mid-1990s and resigned in June 2006.