Richard William Maguire Braine (born April 1968) is a British software developer, photographer, and political figure who was leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) between 10 August 2019 and 30 October 2019.
During the 2016 EU referendum, Braine served as a borough manager for pro-Brexit organisations Vote Leave and Grassroots Out (GO) in Kensington and Chelsea, leading a group of ninety volunteers.
He wrote: “I have made clear to the chairman and NEC that I would not attend unless something drastic was done to increase ticket sales, namely returning Gerard Batten to good standing to heal the rift with the many members who are boycotting conference for that reason”.
In October 2019, Braine was suspended from UKIP after being accused of stealing data from the party, along with three other members: Jeff Armstrong, Mark Dent and Tony Sharp.
[15] Despite this, UKIP proceeded with its claim, which was subsequently struck out after being adjudged "fanciful and without any proper and sound evidential foundation" in the High Court Judgement of 7 July 2020.