Ukip mocked after unveiling suspiciously familiar lion as logo

Ukip were widely mocked across social media today after unveiling a new lion logo bearing a remarkable similarity to the Premier League's.

The party, which will name its new leader at its conference in Torquay today, said it was one of several ideas for a new logo. Members will choose one today by placing a red disc in a bucket.

But social media users were quick to spot it was pretty much identical to the lion logo adopted by the Premier League last season.

Can't help feeling I've seen that proposed UKIP logo somewhere before... pic.twitter.com/4xKeb2fzOV

-- Ed Bridges (@DrEdBridges) September 29, 2017

The new design depicts a drawing of a lion in the party's traditional purple on a white background next to the slogan "Ukip. For The Nation".

A spokesman said Ukip had "checked" that it did not infringe copyright, declaring: "We're not that stupid."

.@mrjamesob 'Why have @UKIP gone for a lion?! A foreign animal?!What's wrong with British animal like a badger or a mole?!' pic.twitter.com/lrR1yxRHul

-- Damon Evans (@damocrat) September 29, 2017

But on noticing the logo, the former England striker Gary Lineker tweeted an "eyes rolling" emoji and the message: "The @premierleague will be thrilled."

The @premierleague will be thrilled. https://t.co/GWXBcjL5vH

-- Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 29, 2017

The Ukip spokesman commented: "Gary Lineker is a very well-known, somewhat sanctimonious, extremely well-paid TV celebrity who has their own opinions."

The Match Of The Day host then hit back: "But I'm working hard on having someone else's opinions."

At Ukip's party conference in Torquay, the spokesman said the lion was broadly recognised as a symbol of Britain and joked that it has been named "Flossie".

Concerns that Ukip's new leader, to be announced shortly after 5pm on Friday, may not like the new logo, were dismissed.

"The last three leaders had a logo that they didn't decide on, logos aren't necessarily the purview of the leader," the spokesman said.

The lion design won a vote among members to replace Ukip's famous pound sign logo, beating an effort apparently meant to represent sails.

The Premier League's internal legal team is believed to be looking at the logo.

But Ukip chairman Paul Oakden told BBC Two's Daily Politics: "I'm not worried.

"For a start, I don't mind Ukip being associated with the Premier League... If they (the Premier League) feel they have a right to take legal action I'm sure they'll consult with their lawyers.

"We did our due diligence before we put these logos to the membership and as I said, we are perfectly comfortable".