Nigel Farage To Stand In Clacton for Reform UK, Succeeds Richard Tice As Party Leader

Nigel Farage announced his candidacy for the Clacton seat in the upcoming general election on Monday, representing Reform UK, and confirmed he is the new leader of the party.

At a news conference on Monday, Farage committed to a five-year term as the new Reform UK leader and confirmed an election candidacy that is expected to unsettle the Conservative Party, potentially syphoning off traditional Tory voters.

The move marks a significant U-turn for the former Brexit Party and UKIP leader, who had previously ruled out standing. Farage, who was honourary president of Reform UK, recently stepped down from his role as a host on GB News to pledge support for then-leader Richard Tice general election campaign.

Farage said at the press conference he’d had a “terrible sense of guilt” for initially declining to run, saying he felt he was “letting [his supporters] down.” Reflecting on his decision during a quiet Sunday spent walking his dog, fishing, and visiting the pub, he decided to enter the race.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dismissed Farage’s decision. He said: “A vote for anyone who’s not a Conservative candidate is just a vote to put [Labour leader] Keir Starmer in Number 10.”

Farage said he planned to lead a “political revolt” against the current political establishment, criticising the state of public services and the political class.

“We are unashamedly patriotic,” he declared, vowing to be a voice of opposition and to fully implement Brexit.

The Clacton seat, previously held by UKIP, was reclaimed by the Conservatives in 2017 with a significant majority. Farage’s entry into the race promises to make this a closely watched contest.