And London MEP Batten has warned that the Eurosceptic party needs to get "back into the political fight" as the local elections in England approach in May. Mr Batten said: "As I said at the start of the contest, if the election were to be uncontested, I would hold office for 12 months. Image: There have been five leaders since Nigel Farage stepped down in 2016

He also pledged to resign after 12 months to allow a full leadership election to take place. Paul Nuttall won the next leadership contest but UKIP flopped at the 2017 general election. "For the next twelve months, I will concentrate on doing all I can to restore the party's fortunes. A very good start has been made and the party is now on a sound financial footing.” Mr Batten was officially elected UKIP’s 12th leader since the party was founded in 1993. Gerard Batten, who has repeatedly described Islam as a 'death cult' and was acting as interim leader after the ousting of Henry Bolton earlier this year, was installed as the party's full-time leader last night. • Henry Bolton sacked as Ukip leader after party backs no confidence vote

Mr Bolton was kicked out of the job over his relationship with controversial model Jo Marney, who sent offensive messages about Meghan Markle. • What to look out for in May's local elections
• Ex-UKIP leader 'to set up new party'

Mr Batten, who has been an MEP since 2004, said he was "pleased" to have been confirmed as leader. But since the June 2016 referendum, UKIP has seen its support tumble and the party descend into chaos as it struggles to find a new role. 'As leader, I will do all I can to work for the progress of the party. "My aim for the next 12 months as Ukip Leader is to restore the party; financially, organisationally and politically.” He added: "I will not make any extravagant promises. "UKIP is the only real opposition to our political establishment, and we are needed now as much as ever," he said.
Gerard Batten is elected unopposed as the leader of the UK Independence Party, having been interim leader of the party since previous leader Henry Bolton was overthrown in a vote of no confidence in February.