Ukip is expected to elect its first female leader at the party’s annual conference, ahead of a struggle for relevance after the Brexit vote and departure of Nigel Farage. The party is likely to see reduced numbers at the conference on Friday, as insiders confirmed that it was losing support to the Conservatives. No matter who becomes Ukip leader, Labour will be the biggest loser | Matthew Goodwin Read moreSeveral Ukip sources said James had the tacit backing of Farage, after party authorities excluded Steven Woolfe, the Ukip immigration spokesman, from running, because he submitted his papers 17 minutes late. There remains persistent speculation that Farage could make an attempt to return as leader in the coming months or years. He will give a keynote speech at the conference in Bournemouth before the new Ukip leader is announced.

Source: The Guardian September 15, 2016 17:42 UTC