UKIP can fill a void in politics and offer a party that represents common sense and the interests of working men, according to the party's chairman for south Cumbria.

Colin Rudd, who is the UKIP chairman for Barrow and Furness, labelled Diane James's resignation as a "letdown" and has backed North West MEP Steven Woolfe to take the hot seat in the upcoming leadership contest.

He said: "It's a bit disappointing and it's a bit of a letdown for all of the people that supported her. Hopefully Steven Woolfe will put his name forward, as he always the favoured candidate in my mind."

Nigel Farage has stepped in as interim leader while the party picks its next leader. However, Mr Rudd thinks that Nigel needs to take a break from the party.

He said: "I think it's still too soon for Nigel Farage to come back as leader. What he has achieved is phenomenal but he needs to rest."

After the UK electorate made the monumental decision to leave the EU, Mr Rudd believes that UKIP still has goals and ambitions to achieve.

He added: "There is definitely a place for UKIP in politics. We represent working people and struggling people and we are a campaigner for small businesses as opposed to corporations.

"The county council elections are in May next year and we will put forward candidates for that.

"In Barrow there is a labour majority but the party doesn't know where it stands under Corbyn so we're offering an alternative democratic choice.

"There is a massive void for common sense and representation of working men and UKIP can fill that."