UKIP leadership hopeful Bill Etheridge said he will happily speak about his issues with erectile dysfunction after a photograph of his prescribed Viagra tablets were posted online.

The Sedgley councillor has spoken out after his ex-partner, Lorraine Chew, shared the picture on Twitter, claiming she found the half-empty packet in his car.

She also accused him of being unfaithful during their relationship.

Cllr Etheridge said: "At the end of the day, this is a very personal issue and the posting of this on social media is in my opinion a serious breach of my privacy.

"That is why I have reported this matter to the police.

"However, if my experiences does help to raise awareness and help make normative a treatment for this serious men's health issue, then I'm happy to speak out."

He also hit out at the "spiteful" elements in the purple party's leadership race, who he said have tried to capitalise on the "revenge" social media post.

"It is always sad when a relationship breaks down," he said, "but I really don't see how this has any bearing on my ability to lead UKIP moving forward.

"And I think it smacks of desperation that certain people within the leadership campaign have tried to use this vengeful post as a weapon.

"To me they are grasping at straws, as they know they are losing the debate where it matters.

"This is especially hurtful as some of the claims made in the original social media post are grossly inaccurate."

Cllr Etheridge will find out if he is successful in his quest to replace Nigel Farage at UKIP's annual conference on September 15.