Less than two weeks after Britain's stunning decision to leave the European Union, the leader of the influential nationalist UK Independence Party has announced his surprise resignation.
The resignation of Nigel Farage (NIGH-jel fuh-RAHZH) comes at a turbulent time for the nation, still dealing with the fallout from the vote at home and abroad.
... reports.
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In yet more unexpected news for British politics, outspoken nationalist politician and "Leave" campaigner Nigel Farage (NIGH-jel fuh-RAHZH) has revealed he is stepping down.
Mr Farage's UK Independence Party, or UKIP, (YOO-kip) was one of the leading voices in the campaign to exit the European Union, with it being one of the party's founding principles.
The former commodities trader says he has achieved everything he wanted to, although he warns he will still make his presence felt.
f3138a FARAGE 38 secs
"My aim in being in politics was to get Britain out of the European Union. 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 than we managed to get in that referendum, and so I feel it's right that I should now stand aside as a leader of UKIP. I will continue to support the party. I will support the new leader. I will watch the re-negotiation process in Brussels like a hawk and perhaps comment in the European Parliament from time to time."
Reactions to his departure have been mixed, with many fellow conservatives and Eurosceptics hailing Mr Farage's lasting impact on the country's political landscape.
Others, such as the former leader of the opposition Labour party, Ed Miliband, were less positive.
f3138b MILIBAND 21 secs
"It was classic Farage, wasn't it. He says he wasn't, he's not a career politician ... he stood for parliament or something nine times. Look, I don't like the legacy that Nigel Farage leaves, because I think, it's a legacy, as we saw in the referendum campaign, of stirring up division. I respect the decision that's been taken in this referendum, but I'm not sorry to see Nigel Farage leave the political scene."
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