Nigel Farage running to be Clacton MP and is new leader of Reform UK
Farage has announced that he will lead Reform UK for the next five years
Last updated 3rd Jun 2024
Nigel Farage has declared his intention to stand for parliament in Clacton in the upcoming general election.
Farage, known for his pivotal role in the Brexit campaign, also announced that he will lead Reform UK for the next five years.
Expressing a sense of obligation to his supporters, Farage said, "I simply couldn't help feeling that somehow they felt I was letting them down." Then emphasized that changing one's mind can be a strength, not a weakness, as he explained his decision to re-enter the political arena.
"So I am going to stand in this election. I'll be launching my candidacy at midday tomorrow in the Essex seaside town of Clacton."
At a press conference in London, Richard Tice confirmed Farage's new role, passing the leadership baton to him. "The big question is does Nigel want to stand?" Tice said. "I thought well, actually what I'd really like is to invite Nigel to be leader of Reform UK. And to my absolute delight, he accepted."
Indeed, Farage's return to front-line politics apparently comes with the full support of Tice, the now outgoing leader of Reform UK. "Richard is more than happy for me to put my head and shoulders firmly over the parapet and take the flack," Farage said. "I'm coming back as leader of Reform UK, but not just for this election campaign. I'm coming back for the next five years."
Highlighting a growing disillusionment with the current political establishment, Farage remarked, "There is a rejection of the political class going on in this country in a way that has not been seen in modern times." He cited conversations with ordinary citizens as a catalyst for his decision to stand, noting the numerous inquiries he received about why he wasn't running.
Farage also criticized the current general election campaign for its lack of energy and engagement. "We put out the operations notice for today under the title 'emergency election announcement' because we think this election needs a bit of gingering up. Thus far, it is the dullest, most boring election campaign we have ever seen in our lives," he said. Farage argued that the main party leaders sound increasingly similar despite their efforts to differentiate themselves.
Other candidates running to become the MP for Clacton on election day (July 4th), are Matthew Bensilum (Lib Dem), Natasha Osben (Green party), Jovan Owusu-Nepaul (Labour), Giles Watling (Conservative).
He replaces Tony Mack who had been declared as the Reform UK candidate for Clacton.