UKIP chair Holdsworth steps down

The chairman of the UK Independence Party Petrina Holdsworth has resigned just days before the annual conference this Saturday in Westminster.

The barrister from East Sussex gave up the post on Tuesday to spend more time with her family. There had been "no acrimony", a UKIP spokesman said.

A replacement for the role, which involves running the party's affairs in England, is being sought.

UKIP leader Roger Knapman said he was sad to see her departure.