Nigel Farage Announces Candidacy for General Election MP Seat
A week after declaring that he would not be a candidate, the populist figure revealed that Reform UK is now strategizing a ‘revolt.’
Nigel Farage made an announcement on Monday that he will be contesting as an MP for Reform UK.
Reform UK declared that Nigel Farage will assume leadership and also run as an MP in Clacton, presenting a new electoral challenge to the Tories.
In a recent social media post, the former Brexit Party leader had initially ruled out candidacy in the upcoming general election, stating that it was “not the right time.”
However, he has since had a change of heart, stating that he will now be running in the Conservative-held seat in Essex starting from Tuesday.
The honorary president of Reform is making his eighth attempt to secure a seat in Parliament, having made the decision on Sunday afternoon.
Former leader Richard Tice will transition into the role of chairman.
‘Revolt’
Mr. Farage mentioned that he plans to surprise everyone and hinted at a possible “revolt” organized by the party.
“Turning our backs on the political status quo. It’s ineffective. Nothing seems to work anymore in this country,” he remarked.
“Despite the challenges, I cannot disappoint millions of people, I simply cannot do that, it would be unethical,” Farage stated.
When asked about his change of decision, he stated, “It’s permissible you know, not always a sign of weakness.”
“It could potentially indicate strength,” he added, expressing his belief that Reform has a high likelihood of outvoting the Tories in the upcoming general election on July 4.
“Therefore, I have decided to run in this election. I will officially launch my candidacy at noon tomorrow in the coastal town of Clacton in Essex,” he confirmed.
Labour
Multiple polls have suggested that the Conservative Party might face defeat in the next general election, with forecasters predicting Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer as the next Prime Minister.
Farage claimed, “Labour has secured the victory in the election. It’s not a competition.”
He highlighted a “rejection of the political class in our country” and believed that the “Red Wall is no longer present, they won’t be making a comeback.”
Farage explained that he was left with insufficient time to prepare when PM Rishi Sunak called for a snap election, leading him to believe that supporting the country over the party was the rational decision.
During the press conference, he confidently stated, “I genuinely believe we can gather more votes than the Conservative Party in this election. They are on the brink of collapse.”
He also criticized the Conservative Party’s immigration policy.
Farage expressed concerns about the impact of irresponsible immigration policies and sectarian politics emerging in the country, attributing it to the Labour Party’s initiatives.
Reform is contesting in 630 seats across England, Scotland, and Wales, with Mr. Tice running in the constituency of Boston and Skegness in Lincolnshire.
PA Media and Adam Brax contributed to the report.
