The UK’s tumultuous vote to leave the European Union saw another party leader resign on Monday (4 July), as UKIP’s leader Nigel Farage announced he was stepping down, declaring “my political ambition has been achieved”.
Advertisement
It is understood Mrs James, who was elected as party leader on Friday replacing Nigel Farage, sanctioned the change in conference agenda.
Mr Nuttall told delegates: “I will be frank at this point, because I can be now”.
In valedictory speech to Ukip conference Mr Farage said he would continue to attend to the European Parliament as Ukip’s group leader.
Facing down criticism that with the European Union referendum outcome UKIP was a spent force, Mr Farage said the party still had much to do and stood to benefit from a “deluge” of votes from dispirited Labour supporters. And neither is Diane James.
In 2014, James was also chosen by North West Hampshire UKIP to be its parliamentary candidate – but she stepped down a few hours after making a speech at UKIP’s Spring Conference, blaming personal reasons.
The animosity between Mr Farage and Mr Carswell, who defected to Ukip from the Conservatives, has been an open wound in the party for years.
She said she was “truly honoured” to “take it on from Nigel”, and added: “Project Fear tactics have had their days and we are going to ensure they never rise from the political ashes ever again”.
Mr Broughton attracted 1,545 votes, and was also behind Lisa Duffy (4,591 votes) and Bill Etheridge (2,052 votes). She said after the G20 the British people voted for some control.
Farage today told activists that victory in June’s election mean they “had won the war, but now we have to win the peace”. “That’s what independence means” she warned “Remainiacs”.
Discussing his future, after promising this time he will not U-turn on his decision to stand down as leader, Farage said he will still be involved in the party.
In total, 17,970 votes were cast in the contest.
Ms James said the Brexit vote had shown what a potent political force UKIP is, adding: “We are going to confound our critics, we are going to outwit our opponents, we are going to build on our election success that we have achieved to date and do more”.
Ukip’s new leader Diane James is facing claims she will find it “difficult to define herself” as predecessor Nigel Farage said he was “not going away”.
Mr Gill, who was appointed as leader in Wales by Mr Farage, said Mr Hamilton obviously felt “slighted” but that was not helping the party.
He said: “Across the range of British politics we now see populists of the far left and the far right getting hold of their parties”.
Farage has spent his political life campaigning for Britain to leave the EU.
Advertisement
Nonetheless, UKIP is hoping to consolidate its popularity on the back of Brexit, boost its tally of MPs in the next general election slated for 2020, and replace a wobbling Labour Party as the official opposition.
