London, July 4 (IANS): Nigel Farage on Monday stepped down as the leader of the UK Independent Party (UKIP), just two weeks after Britons voted to leave the European Union (EU), adding that he “couldn’t possibly achieve more”.

At a speech in London, Farage, who was elected as an MEP for the party in 1999, said he had never wanted to be a career politician and was standing down. He has had two stints as leader of the Eurosceptic party since 2006, The Independent reported. 

“I now feel that I’ve done my bit, that I couldn’t possibly achieve more,” the 52-year-old added.

“I won’t be changing my mind again, I assure you”. 

“I have decided to stand aside as leader of UKIP. The victory for the 'Leave' side in the referendum means that my political ambition has been achieved. I came into this business because I wanted us to be a self-governing nation, not to become a career politician.," he said. 

“UKIP is in a good position and will continue, with my full support to attract a significant vote."

Farage had previously announced his resignation in May 2015, after he failed to win a seat in the Commons - only to change his mind days later. 

He said he would not be backing a candidate to replace him, saying "may the best man or woman win".