It is with regret that as the party's Returning Officer for the current UKIP Leadership Election, I have to inform Party Members of the following news.

On Friday 22nd March 2024, I was informed in writing by Anne Marie-Waters that she was withdrawing from the election for personal reasons.

This will come as disappointing news to her supporters as it was to me.

Anne had been accepted as a candidate and successfully passed the vetting process. We were looking forward to hearing her impassioned speeches and robust answering at the forthcoming Leadership Hustings.

The NEC and myself wish her well and offer our full support.

Anne is an asset to the party and key activist and will be missed from this election.

Ben Walker

National Party Chairman - UK Independence Party