Green Party leader Natalie Bennett 'to quit in August'

Green Party leader Natalie Bennett has said she intends to stand down from the role in the summer.

Ms Bennett, who has been leader of the Green Party for four years, told The Guardian she would not stand for re-election when her second two-year term ends in August.

She said: "There have been times when I got things right, and times when I got things wrong, but that's because I'm not a smooth, spin-trained, lifelong politician".

"It's both my strength and my weakness that I answer the question," she added.

Richard Mallender, Chair of the Green Party Executive, said: "On behalf of everyone in the Green Party I thank Natalie for her outstanding leadership over the past four years.

"I am delighted that Natalie will remain active in the party - her support will be invaluable to the new Leadership team as we continue to grow."

The former journalist rose to prominence during the televised leaders' debates last year and has seen the party's membership grow from 13,000 to 60,000.

However it has failed to make the hoped electoral breakthrough, just holding on to its single parliamentary seat.