Nigel Farage arrives in Dover
Farage is campaigning for Reform but will not stand as a candidate
Nigel Farage has said the General Election campaign has got off to "the dullest start I can ever remember in my entire life" as he appeared at a launch event for Reform's candidate for Dover.
He has defended his decision to use the word "invasion" when describing migration.
Speaking in Kent, at a Reform UK campaign, Mr Farage said: "I said that I thought unless something dramatic was done, that there would be an invasion.
"Now, of course, for using that word, I was called all the names under the sun.
"But 3,800 boats later, 125,000 people later, you can use whatever word you want. I happen to think that invasion, frankly, was pretty appropriate.
"So I've campaigned hard on this issue throughout this four-year period. And I'm gonna say to you, frankly, I was ahead of the curve on this. I was right."
He stood in front of a Union Flag backdrop with the words "Britain needs reform" and in front of a podium that said "Rishi can't stop the boats" to announce the candidacy of Howard Cox.
He said Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer were "men with the appearance and energy of middle managers vying to become a national leader."
Mr Farage is campaigning for Reform but will not stand as a candidate in the General Election.
Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak is gambling on a £2.4 billion tax break to help secure the support of pensioners as he battles to remain in No 10.
The Prime Minister promised to increase the income tax personal allowance for pensioners, giving them a tax cut worth around £95 in 2025-26, rising to £275 in 2029-30.
Labour said it was a "desperate move" from a party which was "torching" what was left of its claims to economic credibility.
Sir Keir Starmer's party was busy wooing business leaders, with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves promising to lead "the most pro-growth Treasury in our country's history".
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats say victims of crime are being denied justice because the Conservatives have neglected frontline policing.
Policing minister Chris Philp has dismissed the claims.
Sir Ed Davey is also set to outline his proposals to hold the water industry to account during a visit to the Lake District today.