UKIP leadership: Bill Etheridge says he has 'strong chance' of taking over from Diane James

Newly elected leader Diane James quit her post after just 18 days, citing a lack of support from fellow MEPs and party officials for her decision.

Nigel Farage announced he had returned to the fold as interim leader.

West Midlands MEP Mr Etheridge said he was 'highly likely' to make a leadership bid, and vowed that UKIP would 'work together' to drive the party forward.

"We had a remarkably orderly and unified meeting among MEPs where the mood was extremely positive. The consensus is that we can rise up from this situation and come out stronger.

Mr Farage, who quit as leader in the wake of the EU referendum result, has insisted he has no plans to return as leader on a full time basis.

In a statement announcing her decision to step down, Ms James wrote: "It has become clear that I do not have sufficient authority, nor the full support of all my MEP colleagues and party officers to implement changes I believe necessary and upon which I based my campaign."

Her decision is also thought to be partly due to personal family illness, according to reports.

Mr Etheridge, who represents Sedgley on Dudley Council, came third in the in the election to replace Mr Farage last month, polling 13.7 per cent of the vote.

He says he believes he would be a stronger position to win the next election.

"There is no reason for me not to go for it and although I haven't made a firm decision yet, I'd say it was highly likely that I'll put myself forward," he said.

"I feel like myself and Diane were fishing in the same pond in terms of policy, so I would hope to take some of her votes. If the election was held tomorrow I think I'd have a very strong chance of victory."

The new leadership election could include Steven Woolfe, who was controversially barred from the last one after he missed the deadline for nomination papers.

Suzanne Evans, who was suspended from the party for six months back in March, could also put her name forward. The party's NEC is set to meet on October 17 to discuss election plans.