Nigel Farage stands down as UKIP leader: ‘I feel that I’ve done my bit’
The leader of UKIP predicted the party’s “best days are yet to come” as he resigned earlier today.
Nigel Farage says he is standing down as leader of the UK Independence Party.
“My aim in politics was to get Britain out of the European Union,” he said at a press conference this morning (July 4).
“That is what we voted for in that referendum two weeks ago, and that is why I now feel that I’ve done my bit, that I couldn’t possibly achieve more.
“And so I feel it’s right that I should now stand aside as leader of UKIP.”
Referring to his previous resignation – following his defeat in last year’s general election – which he quickly withdrew, Mr Farage said that he “won’t be changing my mind again – I can promise you.”
Declining to endorse his a successor, he said he hoped that “the best man or woman” wins the position of leader.
“UKIP is in a good position and will continue, with my full support to attract a significant vote,” he added in a statement.
“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,” he warned.
Refusing to rule out whether he and the party may work more closely with the Tory government, he said that he will no longer “be constrained when I answer questions. The real me will now come out”
When asked about the increase in racist attacks since the UK decide to leave the EU, he claimed that “bad things happened on both sides” and “people need a bit more calm.”
During last year’s election, Mr Farage caused outrage after he claimed that he had been “proven right” after calling for people with HIV to be banned from the UK.
He claimed that “HIV sufferers” have been hit by a drug shortage because of migration during a heated TV debate.
Mr Farage has also been accused of “ducking” gay rights issues by pulling out of a planned Q&A with PinkNews – making him the only party leader to not take part.
