Nigel Farage WILL remain UKIP leader – but says he will not stand in next election
His role in Diane James's departure is under the microscope after it emerged he had dined with her on the night before she quit the leadership role
NIGEL Farage was back in control of UKIP last night for a record fourth spell despite “quitting” three months ago.
The ex-leader said he was still “technically” in charge after the shock resignation of new boss Diane James after just 18 days.
But the Eurosceptic stalwart ruled out standing in the coming leadership election and promised he really was “retiring”.
He said: I've done my bit, it's a pretty rotten job being leader of any political party and I think being leader of UKIP is probably more rotten than all the others.”
Adding: "I keep trying to escape... and before I'm finally free they drag me back.”
Ms. James quit on Wednesday night claiming “it has become clear I do not have sufficient authority, nor the full support of MEP colleagues” to stay on.
But Mr Farage’s role in the departure was under the microscope after it emerged he had dined with the struggling MEP on the night before she announced she was throwing in the towel.
Yesterday it emerged that the paperwork that would have officially made the 56 year old MEP the leader had not been processed.
Ms James had written “Vi Coactus” - Latin for under duress - on the form.
An Electoral Commission spokesperson said last night “it had not been processed as we had questions for the party regarding the completion of the form.”
Party bosses will meet next week to discuss how best to hold another leadership election - their second since Mr Farage stood down following the EU referendum.
Mr Farage, who has already been leader of the party on three separate occasions, confirmed that he would “continue as acting leader of Ukip whilst we re-do the election process,"
He said: "It is time for someone else to do the job."
Mr Farage had previously resigned as party chief in 2009 and 2015 as well as after the EU vote.
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