United Kingdom Independent Party leader Nigel Farage announced his resignation as UKIP leader after he failed in his bid to be elected as an MP at the seventh time of asking.

However, he insisted he has "never felt happier" with a "weight lifted off his shoulders".

Farage leader lost in South Thanet to Conservative Party's Craig MacInlay. He had pledged to resign if he fails to enter parliament.

He lost to the Tory challenger Craig MackInlay by almost 3,000 votes, finishing runner-up. Mr Farage polled 16,026 votes. But the Tory candidate did better, winning the backing of 18,838, with Labour third.