UKIP Leadership Race: The Most Unpopular Job in UK Politics

Bill Etheridge's most recent withdrawal now leaves a choice of just eight possible UKIP candidates, who are so far, still in the race.

But following a series of resignations and in-fighting in the party after Nigel Farage stood down as leader, following the UK referendum vote, who exactly are the remaining candidates and could they steer the UKIP ship into the next phase of its political journey?

Paul Nuttall

Many wondered why Mr. Nuttall didn't stand in the UKIP leadership race after Mr. Farage stepped down.

After a series of resignations, including Diane James who took the immediate leadership succession and lasted just 18 days, as well as previous UKIP frontrunner Steven Woolfe, who quite the party, Mr. Nuttall is seen by senior figures as the one most likely to fill the void.

Suzanne Evans

The 51-year-old former journalist seems to have had a bit of a love-hate political relationship with Nigel Farage, having once described him as a "divisive" politician.

This resulted in her brief suspension from the party. But much like Mr. Farage, upon returning to UKIP, Ms. Evans has her eye set on taking the party throne — and she's considered to be a worthy candidate.

Raheem Kassam

Described as a right-winged journalist — an accusation he has denied in media reports — Mr. Kassam is editor-in-chief of political blog Breitbart's London edition and his campaign is led with the slogan #MakeUKIPGreatAgain. 

He has the reputation of being foul-mouthed on social media, has made numerous outlandish remarks about politicians and claims to speak the language of ordinary people living in the UK. He has also described the current state of UKIP as "an existential crisis."

Lisa Duffy

A former retail manager, Ms. Duffy find herself second in the previous leadership race and may feel she could be in with the chance of taking the role this time.

She sparked some controversy for her call to ban faith schools in the UK, in particularly focusing on Muslim faith schools. Whether it is a case of de ja vu or if Ms. Duffy succeeds, she feels being UKIP leader will do the party good, which is why she hasn't pulled out of the race — yet.

Peter Whittle

UKIP's 2016 mayoral candidate is vowing to hold Prime Minister Theresa May accountable for her Brexit plans and make the party a much stronger opposition in time for the 2020 general election.

Mr. Whittle has also served as UKIP's cultural spokesman. 

David Kurten

Mr. Kurten is a member of the London Assembly and insists that UKIP is a vital force in British politics.

Formerly a chemistry teacher, he brings the passion and determination needed for a leader. Whether he has the support of his party is a question that currently remains unanswered.

John Rees-Evans

A former soldier, Mr Rees-Evans describes himself as patriotic and very much in touch with the everyday people of Britain.

Having little political experience, he may require a little more time to develop into leadership material, but he's in it to win it. 

Andrew Beadle

Mr. Beadle believes in UKIP's potential and has political experience over candidates such as John Rees-Evans.

Previously a Tory who voted for New Labour in 1997, he was also a parliamentary candidate for UKIP in Bermondsey and Southwark in the 2015 general election.

Without any more resignations and infighting, a new UKIP leader is expected to be announced on November 28 — just in time for Christmas.

Here's hoping it's a welcome gift for the party, as opposed to yet another unwanted political surprise.