Nigel Farage attempts to kiss Diane James as things turn ugly for the new Ukip leader
UKIP’S Diane James looks like she doesn’t fancy Nigel Farage’s embrace yesterday after inheriting his job as party leader.
The image quickly went viral, with internet jokers comparing her reaction to scenes in Alien 3 and Return of the Jedi.
And the day did not get any better for Ms James, 56, as a raft of defections to the Tories plunged her into crisis just hours after taking the top job.
More fireworks followed after she culled the conference speech of Ukip’s Welsh leader Neil Hamilton, slashing him from the programme for today’s conference.
The ex-Tory MP said he was “perplexed” by the move which he branded “suicidal”.
Ukip’s only MP Douglas Carswell also had his appearance cut from 15 minutes to five leading to claims the pair – both critics of Nigel Farage – were being “muzzled”.
Ms James – who was backed by Nigel Farage and Ukip’s deep-pocketed backer Arron Banks – now has a serious challenge on her hands to reunite the party.
Her appointment came as Ukip’s former head of press Alex Phillips quit the party to join the Conservatives citing bitter splits and divisions inside Ukip.
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Ms Philips said Theresa May – who she called “impressive” – had delivered on all the key elements of Ukip’s 2015 manifesto.
It follows the defection of party director Steve Stanbury who also quit and rejoined the Tories saying the party had no future now Britain was leaving the EU.
Mr Stanbury said the party’s best days were “behind it” and urged others to follow.
Ms James – who refused to take part in any hustings with her rival candidates during the leadership contest – promised to have a “laser focus” on Brexit.
Saying she would “professionalise” the party, she urged Theresa May to get on with triggering Article 50.
Ms James, 56, who joined Ukip in 2011, formerly worked in the healthcare sector before standing in a by-election in Eastleigh, Hampshire, in 2013.
She beat the Tories into second place in Chris Huhne’s old seat, who had to step down after being jailed over lying about a speeding offence.
She was then elected to the European Parliament as an MEP for South-East England in 2014.
She was appointed Ukip’s Deputy Chairwoman and Home Affairs spokeswoman, but decided against standing as an MP in 2015 for “personal reasons”.
She made headlines last year after putting on record her admiration for Russian president Vladimir Putin, describing him as “a strong leader” who stands up for his country.
The keen dancer went to Rochester Girls Grammar School and Thames Valley University and has had a colourful love life – being involved in the breakdown of two marriages.