For a party that has had its fair share of in-fighting, UKIP has remained relatively harmonious during its leadership contest.

How long Diane James will have as a honeymoon period is, however, open to question.

After the euphoria of victory, it will be down to the brass tacks of improving the party’s organisation and, critically, developing policies that signal that it is not a single-issue party.

Having secured victory in the Brexit campaign, voters will legitimately want to know what else is stands for other than leaving the EU.

If its new leader is to fulfil her ambition to replace Labour as the official opposition, there will have to be an argument that goes beyond simple barbs about its splits under Jeremy Corbyn. Labour certainly has its problems but it has 230 MPs compared to the one held by UKIP.

Some of UKIP’s flagship policies such as a commitment to restore grammar schools have been taken up by the Conservatives.

Nigel Farage kept the party together through sheer force of personality and bloody single-mindedness.

He had plenty of detractors and accepted he was a Marmite politician but within UKIP, there was adulation among rank and file activists who may not feel the same way as his successor.

No more so than in Kent, where the party has established a strong foothold and against some predictions, remains in charge of Thanet council.

It was interesting to hear Nigel Farage -in a rather low key farewell speech, namecheck the county and recent by-election successes that, he claimed, showed the party was far from a spent force.

A test of its support comes next month in a by-election in Medway for the South Strood ward, where it is defending the seat.

Whatever the outcome, UKIP faces a challenging period. Farage has left his successor some big shoes to fill.