Nigel Farage won’t run in the general election.
FILE PHOTO: Honorary President of the Reform UK party Nigel Farage gestures as he gives a keynote speech at a conference titled "National Conservatism" in Brussels, Belgium April 16, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
Reform UK’s founder and honorary president, Nigel Farage, has confirmed he won’t run in the upcoming general election, dispelling earlier speculation.
Despite his previous declarations to refrain from standing for Westminster under the current electoral system, Farage expressed his support for Richard Tice’s leadership and the Reform UK campaign. The party aims to contest every seat, targeting both Conservative and Labour voters, with recent polls indicating significant support.
Farage emphasized the importance of aiding his friend Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential campaign, citing global significance. Reform’s critical stance on immigration and net zero poses a challenge to the Conservatives, though Farage’s decision not to pursue a prominent role may come as a relief. Richard Tice welcomed Farage’s support for Reform UK during the election campaign, urging voters to support the party for change.
Farage’s political journey, from UKIP leadership to MEP, has been marked by Euroscepticism and efforts towards Brexit. Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts to secure a UK Parliament seat due to the first-past-the-post system, Farage maintains a prominent public presence, including appearances on GB News and a stint on reality TV.