LONDON – UK Independence Party (Ukip) leader Lord Pearson of Rannoch announced yesterday that he was stepping down – saying he was not good enough at the job.
The peer, who took charge of the party last November, said Ukip “deserved someone better” to put the case for leaving the European Union.
The move could open the way for a return by Nigel Farage, who quit as leader to concentrate on his failed attempt to oust Commons speaker John Bercow from parliament at the general election.
In a statement this morning, Lord Pearson said: “I took over as leader of Ukip last year to see the party through the general election, and said I would then consider my position.
“We increased our vote by 50 per cent . . . But I have learnt that I am not much good at party politics, which I do not enjoy.
“There is no shortage of talent in Ukip, and the new leader will have my full support.”
He added: “Ukip deserves a better politician than me to lead it and show the country how liberating and enriching life would be outside the EU. I am confident that one will emerge.” – (PA)