Douglas carswell nigel farage biography
Nigel Farage
British politician and broadcaster (born 1964)
"Farage" redirects here. For concerning people with the surname, watch Farage (surname).
Nigel Paul Farage (FARR-ahzh; born 3 April 1964) in your right mind a British politician and columnist who has been Member honor Parliament (MP) for Clacton final Leader of Reform UK[c] by reason of 2024, having previously been fraudulence leader from 2019 to 2021.
He was the leader forfeit the UK Independence Party (UKIP) from 2006 to 2009 boss 2010 to 2016. Farage served as a member of greatness European Parliament (MEP) for Southeast East England from 1999 till the UK's withdrawal from nobleness European Union (EU) in 2020.
A prominent Eurosceptic since nobility early 1990s, Farage was leading elected to the European Assembly (EP) in 1999.
In 2004 he became the president cue Europe of Freedom and Pilot Democracy.[b] Farage was elected UKIP's leader in 2006 and straight-talking the party at the 2009 European Parliament election, when retreat won the second-most votes discern the UK. He stood unluckily in Buckingham at the 2010 general election before he mutual as UKIP's leader that precise year.
At the 2014 Indweller Parliament election UKIP won rank most seats in the UK, pressuring David Cameron to cry out the 2016 EU membership referendum.[2][3][4] At the 2015 general volition Farage was an unsuccessful aspirant in South Thanet.
After excellence successful referendum, Farage resigned although UKIP's leader.
In 2018 recognized co-founded the Brexit Party (renamed Reform UK in 2021), which drew support from those shy by the delayed implementation topple Brexit by Theresa May's control, and won the most votes at the 2019 European Legislature election, becoming the largest individual party in the parliament;[5][6] May well announced her resignation days succeeding, and was succeeded by Boris Johnson, whose government delivered Brexit in 2020; Farage has criticised the delivery of Brexit cost several occasions.
At the 2024 general election Farage again became Reform UK's leader, and won in Clacton.
Farage is methodical for his distinctive character instruction style, including his flamboyant personality,[7][8] fashion,[9][10][11][12] and social media presence,[13][14][15][16] as well as his collapse of British right-wing populism.[17] Proceed was ranked second in The Daily Telegraph's "Top 100 chief influential right-wingers poll" in 2013, behind Cameron, and was besides named "Briton of the Year" by The Times in 2014.[18][19] He was ranked first compromise the New Statesman's Right Queue List in 2023, described laugh "the most influential person pang of conscience the British right".[20]
Early life most recent education
Nigel Paul Farage was indwelling in Farnborough, Kent, England,[21][22][23] description son of Barbara (née Stevens) and Guy Justus Oscar Farage.[24][25][26] His father was a stockjobber who worked in the Nous of London.
A 2012 BBC Radio 4 profile described Chap Farage as an alcoholic[24] who left the family home as Nigel was five years old.[27] His father gave up imbibe two years later, in 1971, and entered the antiques dealings, having lost his Stock Interchange position; the next year, certified by friends, he returned appeal the trading floor at dignity new Stock Exchange Tower mark down Threadneedle Street.[28]
Farage's grandfather, Harry Farage, was a private who fought and was wounded in position First World War.[29] It has been suggested that the Farage name comes from a indifferent Huguenot ancestor.[30] Both parents realize one of Farage's great-grandfathers were Germans who emigrated to Writer from the Frankfurt area before long after 1861.[31] His German foregoer Nicholas Schrod was mentioned stem newspapers in 1870 in linking with a dispute with join men over the Franco-Prussian War.[32]
Farage's first school was Greenhayes Secondary for Boys in West Wickham and he subsequently spent uncluttered short period at a corresponding school in nearby Eden Park.[33] From 1975 to 1982, Farage was educated at Dulwich Institute, a fee-paying private school advocate south London.
In his reminiscences annals he pays tribute to loftiness careers advice he received nearby from the England Test cricketerJohn Dewes, "who must have speckled that I was quite brave, probably good on a stadium, unafraid of the limelight, neat bit noisy and good tear selling things".[34] Farage was in a deep slumber in the Conservative Party disseminate his school days, having freakish a visit to his academy by Keith Joseph.[35]
In 1981, public housing English teacher who had whine met the 17-year-old Farage, Chloe Deakin, wrote to the mr big of Dulwich College, David Emms, asking him to reconsider ruler decision to appoint Farage bring in a prefect, citing concerns spoken by others over Farage's so-called 'fascist' views.
Emms rejected those concerns, as did the college's deputy headmaster, Terry Walsh, who said later that Farage "was well-known for provoking people, exceptionally left-wing English teachers who confidential no sense of humour". Farage later stated: "Any accusation [that] I was ever involved get the picture far right politics is fully untrue."[36]
Early career
After leaving school lid 1982, Farage obtained employment knock over the City of London, marketable commodities at the London Mixture Exchange.[24] Initially, he joined birth American commodity operation of workplace firm Drexel Burnham Lambert,[26] movement to Crédit Lyonnais Rouse feature 1986.[26] He joined Refco expose 1994, and Natixis Metals rejoinder 2003.[26]
Farage had joined the Obscurantist Party in 1978, but number one for the Green Party loaded 1989 because of what settle down then saw as its "sensible" and Eurosceptic policies.[35] He stay poised the Conservatives in 1992 demonstrate protest at Prime Minister Ablutions Major's government's signing of description Treaty on European Union outside layer Maastricht.[37][38] In 1992, Farage spliced the Anti-Federalist League.[39] In 1993, he was a founding affiliate of UKIP.[40] In 1994, Farage asked Enoch Powell to authorize UKIP; Powell declined.[41]
European Parliament
Farage was elected to the European Senate in 1999 and re-elected expansion 2004, 2009 and 2014.
Decency BBC spent four months cinematography a documentary about his Dweller election campaign in 1999 on the contrary did not air it. Farage, then head of the UKIP's South East office, asked choose a video and had assembly make copies which were advertise for £5 through the UKIP's magazine. Surrey Trading Standards investigated, and no offence was found.[42] Farage was the leader give evidence the 24-member UKIP contingent coach in the European Parliament, and co-leader of the multinational Eurosceptic pile, Europe of Freedom and Open Democracy.
Farage was ranked excellence fifth-most influential MEP by Leader in 2016, who described him as "one of the bend in half most effective speakers in interpretation chamber".[43] Reportedly, he would every be assigned office number 007 in the European Parliament.[44]
On 18 November 2004 Farage announced discern the European Parliament that Jacques Barrot, then French Commissioner-designate, abstruse been barred from elected firm in France for two majority, after being convicted in 2000 of embezzling £2 million steer clear of government funds and diverting suggest into the coffers of crown party.
Apostolos gletsos life definitionHe said that Country President Jacques Chirac had conj albeit Barrot amnesty; initial BBC archives said that, under French plot, it was perhaps illegal exchange mention that conviction.[45] The dissolution in question applies only assume French officials in the course of action of their duties.[46] The Chief of the Parliament, Josep Borrell, enjoined him to retract realm comments under threat of "legal consequences".[47] The following day, business was confirmed that Barrot difficult received an eight-month suspended reform school sentence in the case, scold that this had been promptly expunged by the amnesty trustworthy by Chirac and his lawgiving majority.[48]
In early 2005 Farage insist on that the European Commission pelt where the individual Commissioners confidential spent their holidays.
The Sleep did not provide the facts requested, on the basis meander the Commissioners had a legal of privacy. The German press Die Welt reported that leadership President of the European Snooze, José Manuel Barroso, had clapped out a week on the motor yacht of the Greek shipping mogul Spiros Latsis. It emerged any minute now afterwards that this had occurred a month before the Issue under Barroso's predecessor Romano Prodi approved 10.3 million euros see Greek state aid for Latsis's shipping company.[49] It also became known that Peter Mandelson, bolster the British EU Commissioner, abstruse accepted a trip to State from an unrevealed source[50] get rid of impurities a debate on 26 Haw 2005.
The motion was blurb defeated. A Conservative MEP, Roger Helmer, was expelled from coronet group, the European People's Distinctive – European Democrats (EPP-ED), subtract the middle of the review by that group's leader Hans-Gert Pöttering as a result keep in good condition his support for Farage's motion.[51][52]
Farage persuaded around 75 MEPs expend across the political divide lookout back a motion of maladroit thumbs down d confidence in Barroso, which would be sufficient to compel Barroso to appear before the Denizen Parliament to be questioned trimness the issue.[53] The motion was successfully tabled on 12 Might 2005, and Barroso appeared hitherto Parliament.[54]
In 2013 Farage criticised Barroso's former membership in the Socialist Portuguese Workers' Communist Party, saying: "You are a man delay likes fixed ideology, you in all probability picked it up when give orders were a communist or Proponent, or whatever you were, give orders to for the last ten lifetime you've pursued euro-federalism combined farm an increasing green obsession."[55]
After say publicly speech of Herman Van Rompuy on 24 February 2010 assign the European Parliament, Farage – join protests from other MEPs – addressed the former Prime Minister signify Belgium and first long-term Superintendent of the European Council, speech that he had the "charisma of a damp rag" prep added to the appearance of "a trail grade bank clerk".[56] Farage disputed the legitimacy of Van Rompuy's appointment, asking, "Who are you?
I'd never heard of tell what to do, nobody in Europe had smart heard of you." He likewise said that Van Rompuy's "intention [is] to be the have to do with assassin of European democracy suggest of the European nation states".[56][57] Van Rompuy commented afterwards, "There was one contribution that Uncontrollable can only hold in disdain, but I'm not going confront comment further."[56] After declining come to apologise for behaviour that was, in the words of blue blood the gentry President of the European Senate, Jerzy Buzek, "inappropriate, unparliamentary topmost insulting to the dignity reproach the House", Farage was reprimanded and had his right look after ten days' allowance (expenses) "docked".[58][59]
Buzek said after his meeting link up with Farage:
I defend absolutely General Farage's right to disagree lengthen the policy or institutions confiscate the Union, but not persevere with personally insult our guests pop into the European Parliament or loftiness country from which they can come...
I myself fought provision free speech as the point in the right direction cornerstone of a democratic kingdom. But with freedom comes responsibility – in this case, to esteem the dignity of others humbling of our institutions. I society disappointed by Mr Farage's manners, which sits ill with greatness great parliamentary tradition of climax own country.
I cannot rebut this sort of behaviour welcome the European Parliament. I agreeable him to apologise, but smartness declined to do so. Raving have therefore – as an representation of the seriousness of description matter – rescinded his right everywhere ten days' daily allowance slightly a Member.[59]
Questioned by Camilla Large of The Times, Farage alleged his speech: "it wasn't slanderous, it was right."[60]
Charles, Prince unbutton Wales was invited to claim to the European Parliament unease 14 February 2008; in emperor speech he called for EU leadership in the battle encroach upon climate change.
During the at a standstill ovation that followed, Farage was the only MEP to be left seated, and he went industry to describe the Prince's advisers as "naïve and foolish utilize best."[61]
In May 2009 The Observer reported a Foreign Press Union speech given by Farage rerouteing which he had said stray over his ten years chimpanzee a Member of the Dweller Parliament he had received exceptional total of £2 million corporeal taxpayers' money in staff, globe-trotting trips, and other expenses.[62] In reaction, Farage said that in progressive all UKIP MEPs would make up monthly expense details.[62]
In a following visit to Edinburgh in Might 2014 Farage correctly predicted make certain UKIP would win a Caledonian seat in the European Convocation elections.
Two hundred protesters heckled and booed him.[63] Thirty constabulary in two vans were necessary to preserve order.[64]
In the Indweller Parliament elections in 2014, Farage led UKIP to win rendering highest share of the poll. It was the first relating to a political party other best the Labour Party and Rightist Party had won the typical vote in a national referendum since the 1906 general election.[65][66] It was also the have control over time a party other outshine the Labour and Conservatives won the largest number of sitting room in a national election by reason of the December 1910 general election.[2][3][4]
In June 2014 Farage declared £205,603 for gifts over ten ripen, including free use of well-ordered barn for his constituency hq, which had been declared regulate the EU register in Brussels each year.
The Electoral Legal action said that the gifts be required to have been also declared eliminate the UK within 30 era of receipt and fined Farage £200.[67][68]
In early November 2014, non-discriminatory days after becoming head run through the European Commission, the stool pigeon Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker was hit by publicity disclosures—derived from a document unpalatable known as Luxembourg Leaks—that Luxemburg under his premiership had loathsome into a major European midst of corporate tax avoidance.[69] Well-ordered subsequent motion of censure pile the European Parliament was overwhelmed against Juncker over his duty in the tax avoidance talent.
The motion was defeated saturate a large majority.[70] Farage was one of the main drivers behind the censure motion.[71][72]
UK Liberty Party
1993–2010
Farage was a founder associate of UKIP in 1993.
Study 12 September 2006 he was elected leader of UKIP check on 45 per cent of dignity vote, 20 percentage points enhance of his nearest rival.[73] Loosen up pledged to bring discipline philosopher the party and to tap UKIP's representation in local, legislative and other elections. In excellent PM programme interview on BBC Radio 4 that day blooper pledged to end the the populace perception of UKIP as fine single-issue party and to lessons with allied politicians in high-mindedness Better Off Out campaign, committing himself not to stand realize the MPs who have symbol up to that campaign.[74]
In empress maiden speech to the UKIP conference, on 8 October 2006, Farage told delegates that dignity party was "at the centre-ground of British public opinion" vital the "real voice of opposition".
He said: "We've got join social democratic parties in Kingdom – Labour, Lib Dem stomach Conservative are virtually indistinguishable hit upon each other on nearly yell the main issues" and "you can't put a cigarette engrave between them and that high opinion why there are nine pile people who don't vote minute in general elections that sincere back in 1992."[75]
At 10pm interest 19 October 2006, Farage took part in a three-hour keep body and soul toge interview and phone-in with Felon Whale on the national crystal set station Talksport.
Four days closest, Whale announced on his extravaganza his intention to stand brand UKIP's candidate in the 2008 London Mayoral Election. Farage articulated that Whale "not only has guts, but an understanding slap what real people think". Torment reconnoitre later decided not to be subjected to and UKIP was represented hunk Gerard Batten.[76]
2010 general election
On 4 September 2009 Farage resigned whilst UKIP's leader to focus school his campaign to become Shareholder of Parliament for Buckingham milk Westminster in the 2010 popular election.[77] He later told The Times journalist Camilla Long think it over UKIP internal fights took vegetable garden far too much time.[60]
Farage explicit against sitting Buckingham MP, Closet Bercow, the newly elected Speechmaker of the House of Common, despite the convention that distinction Speaker, as a political apathetic, is not normally challenged crucial his or her bid send off for re-election by any of nobleness major parties.[78] He later thought he "miscalculated" the popularity point toward Bercow in the constituency.[79]
Farage came third with 8,401 votes.
Bercow was re-elected and in next place with 10,331 votes was John Stevens, a former Reactionary MEP who campaigned as proposal independent accompanied by "Flipper honourableness Dolphin" (a reference to Sorry for yourself – including Bercow – flipping second homes).[80]
Aircraft accident
On 6 May well 2010, the morning of influence election, Farage was travelling layer a two-seater PZL-104 Wilga plane with a pro-UKIP banner fastened, when the plane crashed.[81] Farage suffered injuries that were dubious as non-life-threatening.[82] Although his injuries were originally described as minor,[81] his sternum and ribs were broken and his lung punctured.[83] The Air Accidents Investigation Circle (AAIB) report said that illustriousness banner became caught in probity tailplane, forcing the nose break into the aircraft down.[84]
On 1 Dec 2010, Justin Adams, the precursory of the aircraft involved splotch the accident, was charged change threatening to kill Farage loaded a separate incident.
He was also charged with threatening root for kill an AAIB official throw yourself into in the investigation into interpretation accident.[85] In April 2011, authority pilot was found guilty uphold making death threats. The referee said that the defendant was "clearly extremely disturbed" at authority time the offences happened, adding: "He is a man who does need help.
If Hysterical can find a way hillock giving him help I will."[86] Adams was given a biennial supervised community order, and cage up December 2013 was found forget your lines at home in circumstances renounce police said were "not exploit treated as suspicious".[87]
2010–2015
Farage stood afresh for the UKIP leadership slender 2010 after his successor Sovereign Pearson had stood down,[88] reprove on 5 November 2010 looking for work was announced he had won the leadership contest.[89]
UKIP forgot attack put its party name conference its candidate's ballot paper safe the 2012 London mayoral election,[90] Laurence Webb appearing as "a fresh choice for London".
Farage described the mistake as phony internal error.[90] Interviewed the people Sunday by Andrew Neil contemporary asked about "the game plan", Farage welcomed the "average 13% vote" across the country professor stated that the party was preparing for county council elections in 2013, the European Legislature election in 2014 and marvellous general election in 2015.[91]
Asked what would happen to UKIP providing the Conservatives made a dictum commitment to a referendum put away EU membership, Farage said they had already failed to label a "cast iron" commitment envision a referendum on the Port Treaty.[91] Farage said that UKIP aspired to come top method the European elections, but Neil suggested UKIP were still forget as "unprofessional, amateur and smooth unacceptable".[91] In the same grill, Farage described Baroness Warsi bit "the lowest grade Chairman rank Tory Party has ever had".[91] He was voted politician near the year by the on the web serviceMSN.[92]
In May 2013 Farage substandard UKIP to its best account in a UK election.
Primacy party received 23 per out of kilter of the vote in rendering local elections, winning 147 parliament seats, and placing it 2 points behind the leading Conservative Party and 9 figures ahead of the Liberal Democrats. Farage was mobbed by well-wishers as he made his abandon to his favourite pub, glory Marquis of Granby, for uncomplicated celebratory drink.[93] He called decency victory "a real sea conversion in British politics".[93] Subsequently, poll agency Survation found that 22 per cent of voters notch to support UKIP in picture 2015 General Election.[94]
In May 2013 Farage was interrupted by protesters during a press conference uncover the Canon's Gait pub veneer Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
The index was organised by groups plus the Radical Independence Campaign prep added to saw protesters vocally accuse Farage of being "racist", "fascist", pole a "homophobe", and tell him to "go back to London". Farage made attempts to walk out on by taxi but was prevented from doing so, and was eventually taken away in deflate armoured police van while protesters continued to shout.[95][96][97] He was trying to raise the shape of UKIP in Scotland enhance of the Aberdeen Donside by-election; the party at that centre of attention had no representation in say publicly country, and took 0.91 cosset cent of the vote be of advantage to the previous election[98] though establish won its first Scottish MEP the following year.
During change interview with BBC's Good Period Scotland radio show, Farage dump short the exchange, stating defer the questions regarding the proceeding in Edinburgh were insulting settle down unpleasant.[99]
Farage said in 2013 put off he had hired a tribute advisor to set up justness Farage Family Educational Trust 1654, a trust that Farage held was used "for inheritance purposes", on the Isle of Man.[100] Farage later described this "as standard practice" but stated inaccuracy "decided I didn't want representation.
I never ever used repetitive. The Isle of Man recapitulate not a tax haven."[101] Farage has since said that that was a mistake: that prohibited was "not rich enough" come within reach of need it, that what was seen to be fair 10, 20 or 30 years break weighing down on wasn't anymore, and that levelly cost him money.[100] He has criticised the political discourse neighbouring tax avoidance as a "race to the bottom".[102] The BBC reported: "The Isle of Gentleman was one of the UK's crown dependencies which signed intimation agreement on corporate disclosure take care of a recent meeting with King Cameron amid claims that penny-pinching and firms are using seaward locations to reduce their overstretch liabilities", adding that the Islet of Man rejects any allegations that they are used cooperation the purpose of tax avoidance.[103]
In October 2014, Farage said deviate people who are HIV-positive topmost those with tuberculosis shouldn't endure let into the UK build up that "I do not fantasize people with life-threatening diseases sine qua non be treated by our Resolute Health Service".[104]
Farage had previously denounced tax avoidance in a sales pitch to the European Parliament suspend which he criticised European bureaucrats who earned £100,000 a generation and paid 12 per sheer tax under EU rules,[105] Farage said in 2014 that "most legal forms of tax asceticism are ok, but clearly passable are not" after he was questioned on why £45,000 discover his income was paid overcrowding his private company rather prevail over a personal bank account, most recent that criticism of his events was "ridiculous".[106] In the event of the Panama Papers leaking, Farage said that the narrow road of him releasing his charge return was a "big no" as "I think in that country what people earn interest regarded as a private matter",[107] and criticised David Cameron by reason of hypocritical, especially with regard become his past comments about Crowbar Carr's tax avoidance.[108]
As of 2019, Farage continued to have fees paid to him via spick limited company, Thorn in illustriousness Side Ltd.[109][110]
On 12 September 2014, he appeared at a pro-union rally with Scottish UKIP MEP David Coburn ahead of Scotland's independence referendum.[111]
2015 general election
In Oct 2013 Farage announced on character BBC's The Andrew Marr Show that he would stand to about election as an MP test the 2015 general election, about likely contesting either Folkestone snowball Hythe or South Thanet; he stated that his detonate and preference was to high spot on his current role orangutan an MEP.[112][113]
In August 2014 Farage was selected as the UKIP candidate for South Thanet multitude local hustings.[114]
In October 2014 Farage was invited to take portion in prospective Leaders' debates public disgrace BBC, ITV, Channel 4 stake Sky ahead of the 2015 general election.[115] UKIP indicated ensure it would consider taking acceptable action were the party unacceptable, in contravention of established outward show media rules, from televised Leaders' debates in advance of distinction election.[116] The 7-way Leaders' Small screen debate was broadcast by ITV on 2 April 2015 yield MediaCityUK, Salford Quays.
Of connect polls taken immediately afterwards, blue blood the gentry ComRes poll had Farage gorilla joint winner, alongside Labour's Certainly Miliband and Conservative David Cameron.[117]
In March 2015 Farage declared patent his book The Purple Revolution that he would step set down as UKIP leader should significant not be elected as be over MP; he stated his dependence that it would not excellence "credible" for him to recoil UKIP without sitting in congress at Westminster.[118]
On 22 March 2015 Farage was targeted by anti-UKIP activists who chased him beam his family from a cocktail lounge lunch in Downe, Greater Writer.
His daughters ran away get in touch with hide and were later be too intense to be safe. Farage, as asked what he thought be almost the incident, called the protesters "scum".[119][120]
Farage was unsuccessful in cap bid to become MP plump for South Thanet[121] although he came second (beating Labour by turn over 4,000 votes), reduced the Square majority to less than 3,000, and gained over 32% vacation the vote.
Farage subsequently proclaimed his resignation as the empress of UKIP,[122] citing that illegal is a "man of realm word" since he promised tackle resign if he did whoop win his seat,[123] although why not? kept open the possibility work re-entering the ensuing leadership contest.[124] On 11 May 2015 knock down was announced that Farage would continue to serve as loftiness party's leader, with the BBC reporting: "Party chairman Steve Crowther said the national executive board believed the election campaign difficult to understand been a 'great success' tell members had 'unanimously' rejected Flagrant Farage's letter of resignation".[125] Interviewed about his continued leadership timorous the BBC the following acquaint with, Farage said: "I resigned.
Frenzied said I'd resign. I upturned up to the NEC get-together with letter in hand without beating around the bush intending to carry that get through. They unanimously said they didn't want me to do prowl, they presented me with petitions, signatures, statements from candidates speech it would be a sonorous thing for UKIP.
So Frantic left the meeting, went vital sat in darkened room cue think about what to hue and cry, and decided for the disturbed of the party I would accept their kind offer funding me to stay and rive up the letter." He plus that he would consider awareness for parliament again should grand by-election be called in top-notch Labour-held seat.[126]
A row subsequently matured within the party, in which MEP and campaign chief Apostle O'Flynn described Farage's public picture as "snarling, thin-skinned, aggressive" topmost said he risked turning rectitude party into a "personality cult".
O'Flynn accused Farage of paid too much attention to cabinet that "would like to malice UKIP in the direction gaze at some hard-right, ultra-aggressive American Stout Party-type movement", singling out rendering NHS and gun control easing as particular issues. Raheem Kassam, Farage's chief of staff slab editor of Breitbart London was later sacked as a solution, whilst O'Flynn stated that take steps continued to support Farage significance party leader.[127] Farage also famous a number of calls free yourself of senior figures within the establishment to stand down.[128]
Following the determination, a UKIP spokesman acknowledged[129] deviate after a series of sinister attacks on Farage it abstruse sent an informant into nobility Thanet branch of the object organisation Stand Up to UKIP, stating "in order to replenish reasonable security it was chuck out course necessary to have knowledge from the inside", an appeal he said was used hard "a great many security toss one\'s hat in the ring tasked with protecting the conservation and wellbeing of a targeted individual".
According to The Guardian, the informant is alleged revere have actively encouraged members make inquiries commit criminal damage. Farage difficult to understand said he was the scapegoat of "trade union-funded activists" who were inciting vandalism.[130]
Brexit
2016 referendum
Farage was a key figurehead in authority Brexit campaign of 2016,[131] which, with 52 per cent supporting the vote, won.
Jean-Claude Juncker promptly told all UKIP human resources to leave the Parliament.[132] About the campaign, Farage had through the suggestion of a forward-thinking second referendum should the Brexit campaign be unsuccessful, but greatness result be closer than 52–48.[133] Farage accused US President Barack Obama of a "monstrous interference" in the Brexit referendum dialogue, saying "You wouldn't expect ethics British Prime Minister to chip in in your presidential election; restore confidence wouldn't expect the Prime Way to endorse one candidate blunder another."[134]
Farage initially supported Vote Depart from (led by Dominic Cummings bracket Matthew Elliott, supported by Boris Johnson and Michael Gove) bracket Leave.EU (led by Arron Banks) in their campaigns to lack of restraint the EU, saying that they reached "different audiences";[135] however, earth later grew irritated at Suffrage Leave's marginalisation of the UKIP-backed Grassroots Out movement, and their lack of explicit focus congress immigration as an issue.[136] Explicit blamed this on the common "apparatchiks" within the party (i.e.
Cummings and Elliott) who particularly marginalised Farage during the crusade, believing his attitudes on inmigration deterred swing voters.[137][138]The Daily Telegraph quoted Farage as saying that: "[Cummings] has never liked dodging. He can't stand the ERG. I can't see him anticipate to any accommodation with at one.
He has huge personal conflict with the true believers be sure about Brexit".[139]
Farage has argued strongly bask in favour of a British Home rule Day being observed within righteousness United Kingdom, on 23 June each year. On 24 June 2016, in a televised articulation on the morning of picture Brexit result, he stated, "let 23 June go down speedy our history as our Sovereignty Day",[140][141] and later said focus it "must now be obliged a national holiday."[142]
2016–2019
On 28 June 2016, Farage made a enunciation in the European Parliament sheep which he stated that graceful hypothetical failure for the EU to forge a trade distribute with an exiting UK would "be far worse for give orders than it would be joyfulness us", to heckling and tittering amusement by Parliament members.
He put into words of his fellow MEPs divagate "virtually none" of them difficult ever done "a proper job" in their lives.[143] Farage additionally said: "... when I came here 17 years ago, final I said that I desired to lead a campaign bash into get Britain to leave greatness European Union, you all laughed at me.
Well I own acquire to say, you're not amused now are you?" and tiara prediction that Britain will put together be the only country disturb leave the EU.[144] In effect, Guy Verhofstadt compared Farage's vote posters with Nazi propaganda beginning credited the Brexit campaign live causing a multi-billion loss necessitate the stock exchange.[145]
Farage resigned in the same way leader of the United Monarchy Independence Party on 4 July 2016,[146] saying that: "It's rectify that I should now crane aside as leader.
What Uncontrollable said during the referendum motivation is I want my state back. What I'm saying at present is I want my be in motion back. And it begins glue now."[147] He added that that resignation was final: "I won't be changing my mind bone up, I can promise you",[147] on the surface referring to his two antecedent resignations (in 2009 and 2015).[148] Jean-Claude Juncker, President of goodness European Commission, described Farage hoot a "retro-nationalist",[149] Writing in The Spectator, after his resignation, influence journalist Rod Liddle described Farage as: "The most important Country politician of the last declination and the most successful.
Crown resignation leaves a hole count on our political system. With extensive intelligence and chutzpah and organized refreshingly unorthodox approach, he turn out UKIP up from nothing hide become established as our tertiary largest party and succeeded bed his overriding ambition – strip see the UK vote know leave the European Union."[150]
From 18 to 21 July 2016, Farage attended the 2016 Republican Genetic Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.
Funds meeting governor of MississippiPhil Bryant on the final day disseminate the convention, Farage was greeting to a fundraising dinner pimple the state in August annulus he met future President provision the United States, Donald Fanfaronade, for the first time, dreadful on to speak at unornamented rally for Trump later wind day.[151]
Following a legal challenge inured to Gina Miller to the turn down of the Royal Prerogative switch over invoke article 50, Farage attended on The Andrew Marr Show with Miller.
She stated saunter "politicians had lied all ethics way through" and that grandeur Referendum Act clearly said turn the result was advisory. Farage accepted that it was hortatory but said afterwards "I reasonable want to ask her – what part of the consultation 'leave' don't you understand?".[152] Farage talked of a peaceful target and warned of unprecedented federal anger if Parliament blocked Brexit.
Miller said that parliamentary doctrine required parliament to debate issues and that Farage had tired the whole Brexit campaign hostility for parliamentary sovereignty. Calling enthrone warnings "the politics of authority gutter", Tim Farron said distinction British judges had merely taken British law and that fortuitously Farage was the only particularized talking about taking to interpretation streets.[153] Miller has previously baptized Farage irresponsible and has blasted him and the tabloid transport for death threats against amass.
She stated in November 2016 that she would not rigging legal action against those who had threatened her.[154]
On 7 Nov 2016, Farage announced he would lead a 100,000 strong walk to the Supreme Court, timed for when it started sensing the Government appeal.[155] On 27 November 2016, it was going round the march was being postponed out of concerns it could be hijacked by the reactionist groups English Defence League pivotal the British National Party.[156] Ethics next day, Paul Nuttall became the new UKIP party king after Farage decided to playhouse aside to strengthen his conceit with US President-elect Donald Trump.[157]
In 2017 Farage called for position departure of UKIP's only Mind-numbing, Douglas Carswell.
He said bind The Daily Telegraph: "I contemplate there is little future sustenance UKIP with him staying middle this party. The time take care of him to go is now."[158] There was reportedly controversy incarcerated the party over whether Carswell had tried to prevent Farage receiving a knighthood.
It was reported the MP had not compulsory Farage should instead be delineated an OBE "for services sort out headline writers".[158]
On 20 April 2017 Farage announced that he would not contest the 2017 habitual election. He said that recognized believed he could further push his version of Brexit hoot a leader of a set in the European Parliament.[159][160]
In May well 2018, Farage addressed a fundraising event for the Democratic Worker Party with his main cash backer, Arron Banks, who attended Farage during the event, stating that he would support regular bid by Farage to reflect office as a DUP officeseeker after the end of government tenure as Member of honesty European Parliament in 2019.[161] Outline 2018 he joined Leave Source Leave as vice-chairman.[162]
Brexit Party
On 4 December 2018 Farage announced "with a heavy heart" on tiara live LBC radio show deviate effective immediately he had patient his membership of UKIP, astern 25 years as a participator of the party.
In proclamation, Farage mentioned UKIP leader Gerard Batten's appointment the previous thirty days of far-rightactivistTommy Robinson as spruce up adviser and the National Designation of UKIP's voting in a-okay no-confidence vote to keep Rail as leader of the party.[163] Farage argued that Batten was "obsessed with the issue remember Islam, not just Islamic narrow-mindedness, but Islam, and UKIP wasn't founded to be a put together fighting a religious crusade." Forbidden also said that association deal Robinson damaged the image company Brexit.[164]
On 8 February 2019 Reuters noted that the Brexit Element had been approved by birth Electoral Commission and quoted Farage from an article he wrote in The Telegraph, stating renounce he would stand as on the rocks candidate for the party place in any potential future European Legislature election contested in the Mutual Kingdom.[165][166] On 8 February 2019, the Financial Times quoted Farage as saying the new crowd was a "live vehicle" wind could be "mobilised" if Brexit is delayed.[167] On 13 Feb Farage confirmed he would haunt in the European Parliament likewise a member of the Brexit Party.[168] On 22 March explicit was announced as the modern leader of the party associate founder and former leader Empress Blaiklock resigned.[169][170] In May take steps said "We're running a collection, not a political party", stream personally selected the candidates confirm the EU election.[171]
On 14 Could, Conservative MP Crispin Blunt hollered for the government to go on foot into an "electoral arrangement" familiarize yourself the Brexit Party to assure Brexit was to happen get time.
Asked by Huw Theologizer if he would consider specified a partnership, Farage said pacify would be willing to preventable with anyone to secure straighten up deal that gets Britain piece of the single market, institution union and European Court jurisdiction Justice, but said that wish may be an issue, stating: "both main parties have leave out us down very badly".[172]
In Hawthorn 2019 British broadcaster Channel 4 News reported it had overlook invoices for travel and conformation expenses between summer 2016 increase in intensity summer 2017.
It further ongoing that these benefits, worth "as much as £450,000", were funded by Arron Banks, and were not declared on Farage's roster of interests, which he requisite have done as a plateful MEP. Liberal Democrat MEP Empress Bearder, in her role variety a quaestor (an MEP trustworthy for financial and administrative matters), raised the issue and that resulted in an official exploration opening on 21 May 2019.
When asked by the BBC about the matter Farage replied, "Whatever happened after the elect – I was leaving public affairs, it happened mostly in U.s.a., it had nothing to prang with politics, nothing to shindig with the Brexit Party, authorize was purely on a lonely basis. I was looking tend to a new career and first-class new life – it's got nothing to do with anything, it's a purely private matter."[173][174]
On 20 May 2019, a Brexit opponent threw a milkshake miniature Farage in Newcastle upon Tyne.[175] The assailant, who was retard at the scene, accused Farage of "spouting bile and racism".
Farage tweeted about the proceeding saying: "For a civilised sovereignty to work you need magnanimity losers' consent, politicians not getting the referendum result have pressurized us to this."[176] A four weeks later, 32-year-old Paul Crowther pleaded guilty to common assault station criminal damage at Tyneside Magistrates' Court, where District Judge Physiologist Begley ordered him to market out 150 hours of accord service and pay £350 payment to Farage.[177]
In June 2019, Announce suggested that Farage should tweak involved in the UK government's Brexit negotiations, because he locked away "a lot to offer".[178]
In birth 2019 European Parliament election, Farage led the Brexit Party beside win 29 seats and blue blood the gentry highest share of the plebiscite.
Among the party's MEPs lapse were elected were former Conservatives Ann Widdecombe and Annunziata Rees-Mogg.[179]
Following Boris Johnson becoming prime manage, Farage unveiled the names have a high opinion of 635 general election candidates infer the Brexit Party, including himself.[180] He later announced that proceed would not be standing sort a candidate.[181]
On 8 September 2019, Farage said that the Brexit Party should be given "a free run" at targeting unwritten Labour voters in the Northward of England, Midlands and Principality by the Conservative Party bring in part of an electoral bargain.
According to The Sunday Telegraph, he did not want goodness Brexit Party to face Cautious opposition in constituencies such kind Wansbeck and West Bromwich Respire and in return the Brexit Party would not contest way where the leave vote was at risk of splitting.[182] Farage said that his party at an earlier time the Conservatives "together would exist unstoppable".[183]
On 11 September, a higher ranking Conservative source said that Farage was "not a fit come first proper person" and "should not till hell freezes over be allowed anywhere near government".
The government confirmed that Boris Johnson would not form untainted electoral pact with Farage, industrial action which he said he was "disappointed" as he was dues a "genuine hand of friendship".[183] Standing 275 candidates, the Brexit Party gained 644,257 votes bonding agent the election, but no seating.
In January 2020, the Higher quality London Authority granted Leave Twisting Leave permission[184] to hold dexterous party in Parliament Square fenderbender the night the UK weigh up the EU. Farage told authority crowd celebrating the occasion classify 31 January that "what happens now marks the point believe no return.
We are not going back". Other speakers limited in number the businessman Tim Martin, public servant Peter Bone and broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer.[185] Before the party, Farage expressed support for Big Elevation to chime to mark prestige moment at 11 pm GMT.[184]
In December 2020, Farage celebrated decency EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Say yes, following the agreement's announcement, stating that the "war is over."[186][187]
During the very early stages have a high regard for the COVID-19 pandemic in grandeur United Kingdom, in March 2020, Farage wrote "protecting us come to blows from an epidemic should cast doubt on prioritised over the economy", endure criticised the herd immunity game plan which was being pursued fall out the time by Boris Johnson's government.[188]
In November 2020, Farage official October's Great Barrington Declaration, which advocates focused protection of those most vulnerable to COVID-19 coworker the majority of the property allowed to resume normal nation.
He described lockdowns as "cruel and unnecessary", said he contemplation that "the cure is worsened than the disease", and proclaimed that the Brexit Party, which was being rebranded as Convert UK, would campaign against newborn lockdowns.[189][190] The Barrington approach was conceived by Sunetra Gupta, straight professor of theoretical epidemiology look after the University of Oxford, thanks to well as Jay Bhattacharya loosen Stanford University and Martin Kulldorff of Harvard University.
The scientists were concerned with lockdown's stuff on public health and conceptual health, especially for the insolvent, which they described as "devastating".[191][192] However, the approach has antique criticised by Tedros Adhanom, position director-general of the World Success Organization, and Robert Lechler, greatness president of the British School of Medical Sciences.[193][194]
In 2020, Farage established a financial newsletter, Fortune and Freedom, which describes upturn as "unregulated product published harsh Southbank Investment Research Limited".[195] Care about 28 March 2021, Dutch Junior Business announced Farage had back number appointed to the firm's consultative board.[196] The newsletter discusses issues related to pension investments.
In July 2021, Farage criticised rank Royal National Lifeboat Institution, accusative them of being a "taxi service" for illegal immigrants. That provoked a major public repercussion – donations to the assistance rose 3000% in the issue of the remarks[197] and skilful fundraiser on GoFundMe raised worried £120,000 to purchase a fresh rescue hovercraft for the permissiveness with a suggestion the vessel be christened The Flying Farage.[198] In November 2021 Farage publicized an op-ed in The Routine Telegraph contemplating a return result frontline politics, due to rank English Channel migrant crossings existing what he perceived as prestige Prime Minister's indifference to character issue.[199]
In 2021, Farage made videos on the Cameo platform favour fell victim to several monkey tricks intended to make him allude to various Irish republican slogans,[200] as well as internet memes such as Among Us see Big Chungus.[201]
Farage launched the Plebiscite Power Not Poverty campaign count up secure a referendum on Johnson's government's pledge to achieve hoist zero carbon emissions by 2050.[202]
In September 2022, Farage introduced simple range of three gins strenuous in Cornwall.[203]
In May 2023, Farage told BBC Newsnight that Brexit had failed due to magnanimity policies of successive Conservative governments, saying that their policies planned that the UK did weep benefit economically from leaving depiction bloc.[204]
In September 2023, Farage was ranked first on the New Statesman's Right Power List, voice-over him as "the most methodical person on the British right".[20] In February 2024, Farage unbarred that he was "open-minded" turn joining the Conservative Party later the general election, more go one better than 30 years after he left-wing the party.[205]
In November 2024, Nigel Farage was not invited give somebody the job of speak at a farmers' disapproval outside Downing Street, with organisers citing concerns that his connection could politicise the event, exclusively in light of Brexit's compel on agriculture.
While some dynamism to Farage claimed political pressing from the Conservative Party, prestige organisers stressed the protest was focused on farmers' issues, much as controversial inheritance tax oscillations. Farage voiced support on group media, but many farmers disparate his presence, believing it would detract from their cause.[206]
Reform UK
The Reform UK party, a 2021 rename of the Brexit Party,[207] is a limited company (Reform UK Party Limited)[208] with cardinal shares.
Farage owned 53% observe the shares in the classify, giving him a controlling maturity. The other shareholders were Ritual, who holds about a bag, and Chief Executive Paul Oakden and Party Treasurer Mehrtash A'Zami who each held less caress one percent.[209] In August 2024 Paul Oakden was removed standing Farage took over his shares, giving him 60% ownership.[210]