Nigel Farage received a “very firm job offer” from Donald Trump before revealing that he won't be running as a Reform UK candidate in the upcoming July 4 General Election.
The Brexit architect made the bombshell announcement this morning (Thursday, May 23). However, in an appearance on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show on Talk TV more than 10 days ago, Farage said he had a “job offer on the table from America, which is very, very tempting”.
While he today promised to “do my bit to help” the Reform Party during the general election campaign, Farage told Hartley-Brewer he'd be offered the opportunity to be “very heavily involved” with Donald Trump's election campaign.
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He told Talk TV: “I
Farage is yet to confirm whether or not he has now accepted the chance to help the Republican candidate's fresh bid for the White House. However, the announcement that he is not standing for election in the UK would appear to clear the way for that eventuality.
In a statement released today, he said: “I have thought long and hard as to whether I should stand in the upcoming general election. As honorary president of Reform UK, I am fully supportive of Richard Tice's leadership and urge voters to put their trust in him and Lee Anderson.
Farage committed to supporting the campaign, but ruled out a more significant role: “I will do my bit to help in the campaign, but it is not the right time for me to go any further than that.”
Highlighting the global stakes at play, he added: “Important though the general election is, the contest in the United States of America on November 5 has huge global significance. A strong America as a close ally is vital for our peace and security. I intend to help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way that I can.”
Criticizing the main political parties, Farage said: “The choice between Labor and the Conservatives is uninspiring, and only Reform has the radical agenda that is needed to end decline in this country.”
Farage committed to supporting the campaign, but ruled out a more significant role: “I will do my bit to help in the campaign, but it is not the right time for me to go any further than that.”
Highlighting the global stakes at play, he added: “Important though the general election is, the contest in the United States of America on November 5 has huge global significance. A strong America as a close ally is vital for our peace and security. I intend to help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way that I can.”
Criticizing the main political parties, Farage said: “The choice between Labor and the Conservatives is uninspiring, and only Reform has the radical agenda that is needed to end decline in this country.”
Reform UK leader Mr Tice, who took over from Farage, welcomed his predecessor's support: “Delighted to have Nigel's help during the election campaign.” Tice, who inherited the party's reins after Farage stepped back in 2021 post-Brexit, encouraged voters: “If you want change, you must vote for @reformparty_uk on July 4th.”
The party is aiming to draw in disenchanted Conservative voters, primarily over the matters of immigration and net zero. A significant number of Tories are concerned that this could seriously impact Rishi Sunak's aspirations for a Downing Street return on election day.
They will probably breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Mr. Farage has chosen not to assume a more visible role, as this could have significantly enhanced Reform's chances. Mr Anderson, the ex-deputy chairman of the Tories, is currently the only MP representing Reform UK following his switch from the Conservatives.