UKIP leader Henry Bolton says he has ended his relationship with Jo Marney after it was reported she made racist remarks about Meghan Markle.
Bolton admitted that the relationship was "obviously quite incompatible" with his position as party chief and the "romantic" side of their relationship had ended.
He said he would continue to support the family of Marney, who had been left "distraught" by the revelations.
The Mail On Sunday printed texts it said had been sent by Marney, including use of the word "Negro" and a message reading "This is Britain, not Africa" during a discussion about the royal engagement.
In an interview with ITV's Good Morning Britain, Bolton said: "I don't defend these comments whatsoever and indeed Jo has been suspended pending an investigation under the normal rules of the party for such things and it is against the constitution for the party to be racist in any way.
"As of last night the romantic side of our relationship is ended."
Bolton has also faced widespread calls for his resignation, but he made it clear he wanted to stay as the party leader, saying "there are a great many people who fully support me".
Asked if his position as leader had become untenable, he added: "First of all, I am not intending to resign - at all.
"This will be a question for the party so it's up to the party what happens in relation to my leadership, I'm not going to resign."
Bolton admitted he had talked about immigration with Marney but claimed it was about "straightforward, mild things" such as points systems, but "nothing of this sort".
He said he had been with her for four days when her messages were revealed, and had "no idea" about her reported views.
