Top Brexiter Abruptly Makes His Own Exit

Nigel Farage quits as leader of UKIP, leaving UK leadership in more turmoil
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 4, 2016 5:54 AM CDT
Updated Jul 4, 2016 6:13 AM CDT
Top Brexiter Makes Own Exit
A June 28 2016 photo from files showing European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker greets UKIP leader Nigel Farage at European Parliament in Brussels. Farage announced Monday that he is resigning as leader of the party.   (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)

The head of the UK Independence Party, Nigel Farage, resigned Monday as party leader, arguing that he's achieved his political ambition of having Britain leave the European Union. Farage was instrumental in the Brexit, reports the AP, championing the issue of immigration. A criticized campaign poster featuring thousands of migrants massed at the border alongside the words "Breaking Point," fueled some Brits' decision to vote for the Brexit. "The victory for the 'leave' side in the referendum means that my political ambition has been achieved," Farage said. "I came into this struggle from business because I wanted us to be a self-governing nation, not to become a career politician." Farage told reporters he would retain his seat in the European Parliament to see out the negotiations for Britain's exit from the EU. He defended his taunting of other lawmakers in the chamber last week, arguing he wanted Britain's voice to be heard.

Political turmoil has gripped the country: Prime Minister David Cameron, who campaigned in favor of "remain," has also resigned. A leadership contest is underway to replace him, but without the early favorite, former London Mayor Boris Johnson. The opposition Labour Party has troubles of its own, with leader Jeremy Corbyn clinging to office despite having lost a no confidence vote by his party. "Whilst we will now leave the European Union the terms of our withdrawal are unclear," Farage said. "If there is too much backsliding by the government and with the Labour Party detached from many of its voters, then UKIP's best days may be yet to come." Earlier, Britain's Treasury chief announced plans to cut UK corporation tax to less than 15% to encourage companies to invest and underscore that Britain is "still open for business," despite the referendum result. A cut of about 5 percentage points brings Britain in line with Ireland's 12.5% rate. Osborne told the Financial Times it was time to "make the most of the hand we've been dealt." (More Brexit stories.)

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