UKIP MEP Roger Helmer has said Nigel Farage made the right decision in choosing not to stand in the Newark by-election.
Mr Helmer, who represents the East Midlands in Europe, said that Mr Farage was focused on the party doing well in the European elections.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of disgraced former Tory MP Partrick Mercer. On Tuesday night, Mr Farage said he would give the idea "serious consideration", but by Wednesday morning he said he would not run.
And Mr Helmer said: "He's already an MEP, leader of the party, leader of the delegation in Europe and is touring the country ahead of the elections. He already has four jobs and frankly one more may be too much for his plate.
"People keep telling him he can't go on at this pace. We have the European elections in just three weeks' time and delivering a fantastic result for the party has to be his focus."
Speaking about the prospect of the by-election, Mr Helmer said: "I think it will be fantastic - I've been out in the Market Place this morning and half a dozen people came up and said they would back us.
"I've seen my name touted on Twitter to stand but a lot of names are being put around.
"All I can say is that we need a strong candidate who will be a good voice for Newark in Westminster, but for now my job is focusing on delivering a fantastic result in three weeks' time."
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