Nigel Farage quits as Ukip leader after 'doing his bit' to help Britain leave the EU

Nigel Farage has announced on 4 July that he is to stand down as leader of Ukip, saying he felt he had "done his bit" after Britain voted to leave the EU. Farage, who has campaigned his entire political life for the UK to Brexit, said he "couldn't possibly achieve more" in his career after the UK voted to leave the EU by a margin of 52% to 48%.

Farage, who last announced he would quit as Ukip leader after failing to get elected as an MP in the 2015 General Election, before returning three days later, praised his party for what they have achieved over the last few years, adding there is "no doubt" there would not have been an EU Referendum if it wasn't for the "people's army of Ukip".

Farage said: "During the referendum I said I want my country back. What I'm saying today, is I want my life back, and it begins right now.

"I have decided to stand aside as Leader of Ukip. The victory for the 'Leave' side in the referendum means that my political ambition has been achieved. I came into this struggle from business because I wanted us to be a self-governing nation, not to become a career politician.

"Ukip is in a good position and will continue, with my full support, to attract a significant vote. Whilst we will now leave the European Union, the terms of our withdrawal are unclear. If there is too much backsliding by the Government and with the Labour Party detached from many of its voters then Ukip's best days may be yet to come".

Despite his U-Turn in 2015 to come back as Ukip leader just three days after quitting, Farage insists this time is permanent. He said: "I was persuaded to come back for one reason, and that was to fight this referendum. I'm very pleased I changed my mind just over a year ago. I won't be changing my mind again, I can promise you."

Farage said he will remain a Member of the European Parliament for the next two years before stepping down, bringing his career as an MEP to 19 years. He added a new Ukip leader will be announced before the party's conference in September.

Ukip's sole MP Douglas Carswell was reportedly not present in the central London location to hear Farage giving his resignation speech and was said to have only heard about the news via social media. Carswell, who has often clashed with Farage since he defected from the Tory party, tweeted a 'smiley face' emoji following the announcement.

While not naming any names, Farage added the UK needs a "Brexit prime minister" to help negotiate leaving the EU. Farage said he is not going to "damn any one" of the Tory leadership candidates by backing anyone at this time, but it appears home secretary and frontrunner Theresa May will not get Farage's support after campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU.