Nigel Farage will not stand for Reform at general election in boost for Sunak, as he says he is focused on Donald Trump

23 May 2024, 09:41

Nigel Farage has said that he will not stand at the UK's general election in July, with his sights set on supporting Donald Trump's campaign to be re-elected as US president.

Farage, who has previously stood for election to the House of Commons several times, has faced several calls to stand for right-wing party Reform UK, which he co-founded.

He said he had thought "long and hard" about putting himself forward for the July 4 vote, announced yesterday by Rishi Sunak, but said he had decided against it.

Mr Farage said that although the UK's general election was "important", US voters' choice between Mr Trump and Joe Biden in November has "huge global significance".

He said that he would support Reform as they seek to challenge the Conservatives from the right, but would "help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way that I can".

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Mr Farage said in a statement: "I have thought long and hard as to whether I should stand in the upcoming general election. As honorary president of Reform UK.

"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.

"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.

"Important though the general election is, the contest in the United States of America on 5 November 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.

“The choice between Labour and the Conservatives is uninspiring, and only Reform have the radical agenda that is needed to end decline in this country.”

Reform UK have one MP - Lee Anderson - who defected to them from the Conservatives in March.

Some Conservatives see the party as a challenger, with signs of growing support.

Mr Tice has played up the danger posed to the ruling party by Reform UK candidates and has ruled out entering any electoral pact with the Conservatives. He has insisted he would stand candidates in every constituency.

The party is set to launch its campaign on Thursday.