Diane James elected Ukip's new leader

New leadership: Diane James
Sky
Jamie Bullen16 September 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Ukip's former chairman has been crowned the party's new leader shortly after Nigel Farage stepped down.

MEP Diane James saw off a challenge from local politician and former TK Maxx manager Lisa Duffy.

Mrs James commanded 47.4 per cent of the vote to Mrs Duffy's 25.7 per cent to become the party's first female leader.

The politician, who famously came close to winning a parliamentary election from the Liberal Democrats in Eastleigh in 2013, was earmarked as the bookies' favourite in the contest.

History making: Mrs James become Ukip's first female leader 
Ben Birchall/PA

She secured the top job with 8,451 votes in the leadership ballot.

During the election she pledged to maintain a "laser focus" on Brexit negotiations but refused to set out any policies, insisting they shouldn’t be made “on the hoof”.

New era: Mrs James replaces Nigel Farage 
Ben Birchall/PA

The announcement was made at the Ukip conference in Bournemouth where Mr Farage made his departing speech following a hero’s welcome.

The outspoken former leader said he has given "absolutely all of me".

Mr Farage told activists he planned to tour Europe to foster Brexit-style "independence movements" following his resignation.

He said: “Today closes the chapter of what has been a very extraordinary few years. I honestly, looking back, could never really have dreamt that we would have achieved what we have.

"I have put absolutely all of me into this. I literally couldn't have worked any harder or couldn't have been more determined. In a sense, I guess it has been my life's work to try to help get this party to this point.

"I frankly don't think I could do any more. I think, folks, I've done my bit."

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