UKIP's new leader Diane James quits after just 18 days

Diane James - Chris Radburn/PA 

UKIP leader Diane James sensationally quit last night after just 18 days, saying she lacks "sufficient authority" and support to carry out the role.

The MEP said she was unable to force through changes she wanted to implement, leaving her with no choice but to quit.

James only succeeded Nigel Farage on 16 September following a fractious leadership contest.

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But in a statement to The Times, she said: "It has become clear that I do not have sufficient authority, nor the full support of all my MEP colleagues and party officers to implement changes I believe necessary and upon which I based my campaign.

"For personal and professional reasons therefore, I will not take the election process further."

She added: “I will continue to concentrate fully on my activities and responsibilities as an elected Ukip Member of the European Parliament for the South East region.”

Party chairman Paul Oakden confirmed James - who was Mr Farage's choice for the leadership - "has chosen to resign".

"I will now look to convene an emergency meeting of our national executive committee to confirm the process for electing Diane's replacement,” he said.

"Whilst the decision is unfortunate, it is one that Diane is entitled to make. We thank her for all her work as leader, and as a hard-working MEP, a role she will continue with her customary vigour."

James won 8,451 out of the 17,970 votes cast to beat her closest rival, Ukip councillor Lisa Duffy.

Amid speculation he could return in the wake of James' resignation to run the party again, Farage - who has maintained a high profile since standing down in the wake of the EU referendum - told the Press Association: "I'm not coming back, I'm retired".

According to its constitution, the party will hold a fresh leadership election within 90 days, while an interim leader will be appointed within 14 days after her resignation has been received in writing.