US REPUBLICAN bigwigs are prepared to split the party in order to stop Donald Trump becoming president, a leading member based in Britain said yesterday.

Republicans Overseas vice-chairwoman Jan Halper-Hayes has revealed details of plans being made by senior members of the party to run an alternative candidate if Mr Trump wins the Republican nomination.

The bigoted billionaire is leading the race with 736 of the 1,237 nominations needed to seal his place on the ballot paper at the Republican convention in July.