Nigel Farage, who promoted Britain’s exit from the European Union, said on Monday he would stand in next month’s election to lead the right-wing Reform Party, in a major blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Mr. Farage, 60, had previously said he would not run in the July 4 polls to help his friend Donald Trump’s bid to win the US election later this year. But at a press conference on Monday, the Brexit chief said he had “changed his mind”, calling for a political revolt in Britain and challenging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ruling Conservatives for the support of right-wing voters.
Mr. Farage said he would stand in the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea in his eighth attempt to win a seat in the House of Commons. All seven of his previous attempts have ended in failure.
Support for Farage
Former Neighbours series star Holly Valance has backed Mr Farage, saying she is a “paid up” member of Reform. Speaking to GB News, she said it was “exactly what we all wanted” and that Mr Farage had ‘given people what they asked for’.
Ms. Valance said she would campaign if Mr. Farage asked her to and hinted that she had been involved in his decision to stand for election. She added:
I have been whispering in his ear for a long time. He is the face of Reform. Richard [Tice] has done a great job and they are a great team. Hopefully now we will be stronger and we will see what we can do at this next election. I’m a paid-up member.
While Mr. Farage has some chance of defeating Conservative incumbent Clacton, he admitted his main aim is to lead a “real” opposition to a Labour Party government if the ruling Conservative Party loses, as many expect.
Mr. Farage said he wanted to lead a “political revolt … to turn away from the political status quo.”
Farage’s goals
The former head of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) has said his aim is to replicate the populist political onslaught that led to the 2016 referendum on Britain’s exit from the European Union and then winning it. Mr. Farage said:
I can’t turn my back on those millions of people who followed me, believed in me. I’ve changed my mind because I can’t let down millions of people.
The politician has also said he will take over as leader of Reform, the party’s Brexit successor. It is a role he has held since Reform was founded by Richard Tice, and Mr. Farage is an honorary president and charismatic figure.
On July 4, voters across the UK will choose representatives to fill all 650 seats in the House of Commons. The leader of the party that can win a majority in the House of Commons – on its own or as part of a coalition – will become prime minister.
