Why the new UKIP leader wants to quit already

Britain's UKIP has named Gerard Batten as the new party leader, but he's already said he plans to quit.

Gerard Batten speaking at a UKIP event. Source: Getty

Britain's UKIP anointed Gerard Batten as its new leader on Saturday, after the fourth leadership contest in 19 months with the party in disarray since achieving its founding mission of Brexit.

But Batten immediately announced his intention to resign in 12 months' time because he was elected unopposed after no other candidates stepped forward by Saturday's deadline.

Nigel Farage led the United Kingdom Independence Party to its zenith and was a driving force in bringing about its founding aim of getting Britain out of the European Union.

But since the June 2016 referendum on EU membership, UKIP has seen its support tumble and the party descend into chaos as it struggles to find a new role.

It has also been dogged by financial problems.

Gerard Batten in the European parliament. Source: Getty

"I intend to resign on April 13, 2019, so that a full leadership contest may take place. By then I will have decided if I wish to contest that election or not," Batten said.

"For the next 12 months, I will concentrate on doing all I can to restore the party's fortunes."

Batten, 64, a member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2004, had been UKIP's interim leader since February.

He said he had ensured the party's "immediate survival" by putting it on a firm footing financially and organisationally.

"As leader, I will do all I can to work for the progress of the party. UKIP is the only real opposition to our political establishment, and we are needed now as much as ever."

Gerard Batten (top left) is a founding member of the UK Independence Party. Source: Getty

Six leaders since referendum

UKIP has witnessed six changes of leadership since the referendum.

Farage stepped down after Britain voted for Brexit, his political mission complete.

Diane James took over then quit again within a month, with Farage returning as acting leader.

Paul Nuttall won the next leadership contest but UKIP flopped at the 2017 general election.

Former UKIP Leader Nigel Farage stands beside the remains of a small boat on top of a bonfire. Source: Getty

He quit and Steve Crowther took acting charge. Henry Bolton won the next leadership contest in September, but was ousted in February following a scandal over his private life.

Farage, who became friends with US President Donald Trump, remains an MEP but now hosts a national radio talk show five times a week.

The next test for the anti-EU, anti-mass immigration party is the English local elections on May 3, being contested largely in the metropolitan areas.