Nigel Farage has secured the support of the majority of his party to be elected the new leader of the UK Independence Party, it was announced today.

Mr Farage, who is a member of the European Parliament, was elected by 3,329 votes, more than 1,600 votes ahead of his nearest rival Richard Suchorzewski in the contest to lead the party.

The result was announced at a meeting of party members in central London.

The results were as follows: Nigel Farage 3,329, Richard Suchorzewski 1,782, David Campbell Bannerman 1,443 and David Noakes 851.

There were 169 spoiled votes and the total number of votes was 7,405.

Mr Farage replaces former party leader Roger Knapman.