East Midlands Euro MP Roger Helmer has replaced party leader Nigel Farage as the head of UKIP MEPs.
Mr Helmer was voted into the position on Tuesday evening by all 23 UKIP MEPs.
He said: "I am delighted to be invited to lead the UK's largest MEP delegation. We will focus on the vital task of restoring independence, freedom and democracy to our country."
"We will remind those in the Brussels bubble that the British people do not agree with what they are doing.
"We can ride shotgun on the legislation that goes through the European Parliament and resist it as best we can."
Mr Helmer recently came second in a by-election in Newark, losing to Tory Robert Jenrick.
Nigel Farage said: "I wish Roger all the very best in his important task, and I am sure with his experience and abilities he shall do the party and our members proud.
"I shall concentrate my energies as Group President in the European Parliament and as Leader of UKIP in the UK. I look forward to working with Roger as we work for our freedom from political union."
