Ukip has chosen its first female leader, Diane James, who immediately signalled she wanted Nigel Farage to remain at the heart of the party and moved to sideline some of his critics. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty ImagesAsked if she would step down if Farage decided he wanted to return as leader, James did not rule out that possibility. At a press conference, James revealed she had not spoken to Carswell for about three months, including the whole period of the leadership contest. Photograph: Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament/PABefore that, Nicola Sturgeon took over from Alex Salmond as Scottish National party leader and first minister after the independence referendum. However, the longest serving female leader is Leanne Woods who has been at the helm of Plaid Cymru since 2012.

Source: The Guardian September 16, 2016 12:37 UTC