Hampshire Ukip leader speaks out over Diane James resignation

THE leader of Hampshire's Ukip group says it hasn't been the party's '˜finest hour' after its new leader quit just 18 days after being elected.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Oct 2016, 10:20 BST

Updated 25th Oct 2016, 20:35 BST

Diane James has quit as Ukip leader 18 days after being elected. Photo: Chris Ison/PA Wire

In a resignation statement released late on Tuesday, Diane James blamed a lack of support among the party’s MEPs and officials for her decision to stand down.

Councillor Chris Wood, who represents Ukip on Fareham Borough and Hampshire County councils, said: ‘It hasn’t been Ukip’s finest hour, however this won’t interrupt my main priority, which has always been working hard to get the best deal for the residents of Stubbington and Hill Head. It would be nice to have a leader stay in post for more than 18 days, so hopefully the next one will last a bit longer.’

Ukip officials are expected to meet within days to choose an interim leader and agree a timetable for a second leadership election. Mr Etheridge and Ms Duffy indicated they could run again, but North-West England MEP Steven Woolfe was quickly installed as the bookies’ favourite.

Hampshire Chris Wood