‘Deeply unhappy’ Diane James plunges Ukip into chaos as she QUITS as leader after just 18 days in the job
Nigel Farage rules himself out of a return saying he wouldn't do it for $20million
UKIP'S new leader Diane James has quit after just 18 days in the job saying she does not have the full support of colleagues.
Her resignation sparked rumours that Nigel Farage could make a return but the Eurosceptic stalwart has said "I'm not coming back".
Ms James said: "It is with great regret that I announce that I will not be formalising my recent nomination to become the new leader."
She added that she did "not have the sufficient authority, nor the full support of all my MEP colleagues and party officers to implement changes I believe necessary.
"For personal and professional reasons therefore, I will not take the election process further."
It is understood that Ms James’ husband’s ill health was also a key driver behind her decision.
related stories
Ms James, 56, was overwhelmingly elected by members of the Eurosceptic party last month.
But, a party insider said she had been “deeply unhappy” for personal reasons and decided to throw in the towel.
Senior party members have also said she felt uneasy in the role - particularly after she was spat at by a left wing activist during a vile attack at Waterloo Station.
The incident happened ahead of her first meeting with Ukip's only MP Douglas Carswell.
Former leader Nigel Farage said tonight he would not return "for $10million".
Asked if he'd take $20million, the Eurosceptic stalwart said: "No I'm not coming back, I'm retired".
In September's Ukip leadership election Diane James took 8,451 out of the 17,970 votes cast.
She comfortably beat Councillor Lisa Duffy - backed by many in the anti-Farage wing of the party.
In her acceptance speech, she promised to bring a new professionalism to the party, saying: "We are going to confound our critics."
She claimed: "We are going to outwit our opponents, we are going to build on our election success that we have achieved to date and do more."
Ms James was elected an MEP of for the South of England in 2014 and has confirmed she will stay in the role.
Senior party officials are reportedly now locked in crisis talks although MP Mr Carswell tweeted: "In the middle of supper. Not taking calls about UKIP stuff. It's shepherds pie, by the way."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368.