Kilroy quits as leader of Veritas

4.55.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 29th Jul 2005

Robert Kilroy Silk - MEP

BBC has just reported that Robert Kilroy-Silk has quit as leader of Veritas just five months after founding the party! The MEP, who was facing a challenge from disillusioned members, said it was clear from the general election voters were content with the older parties.

In a statement, Mr Kilroy-Silk said: "It was clear from the general election result - and more recently that of the Cheadle by-election - that the electors are content with the old parties and that it would be virtually impossible for a new party to make a significant impact given the nature of our electoral system. We tried and failed." The party's candidate in Cheadle polled just 218 votes.

UKIP MEP Derek Clarke, who like Mr Kilroy-Silk represents the East Midlands, meanwhile said the ex-chatshow host should quit the European Parliament.