Image copyright PA Image caption Ms James's announcement came hours after she spoke at the UKIP party conference

UKIP's Diane James has dropped her bid to become an MP at the next general election for "personal reasons".

The MEP had been selected to stand in North West Hampshire, which is considered a safe Conservative seat.

Her announcement came just hours after she made a speech at UKIP's party conference in Margate, Kent.

Ms James, who is the party's home affairs spokeswoman, came to prominence after almost winning 2013's Eastleigh by-election.

A party spokesman said: "Diane James is standing down as a PPC in north west Hampshire for purely personal reasons."

Press Association reported that Ms James was believed to have stood down to spend more time with a sick family member.