“COMETH the hour, cometh the bam...” that’s how SNP MEP Alyn Smith welcomed the news David Coburn is to stand for the top job in Ukip.

Coburn,who represents Scotland in the European Parliament, announced his ambition to replace Paul Nutall in a tweet yesterday.

“I am announcing my candidacy for Ukip Leader this time to stop Entryists Diletantes and Single issue loonies I have had enough,” he wrote.

Ukip had a disastrous General Election, losing about three-and-a-half million votes.

Gaffe-prone Nuttall never escaped allegations he had lied about his career and having been at Hillsborough on the day of the disaster.

Coburn, who has faced widespread condemnation for his outspoken comments, including likening Scottish Government minister Humza Yousaf to convicted terrorist Abu Hamza, has said he will not stand if Nigel Farage throws his hat into the ring.

Former Ukip chairman Steve Crowther is standing in as leader until a permanent replacement is found.