Nigel Farage stands: ‘He will mobilise millions of people’
Nigel Farage has confirmed that he will stand as an MP in Clacton and take over as leader of Reform UK.
At a press conference in London on Monday, Richard Tice, the former leader of Reform UK, said he had “invited” Farage to become leader of the party.
Announcing he was standing as an MP, Farage said “millions of people” would feel let down if he didn’t “lead from the front”.
Included in those millions of people are Telegraph readers, many of whom have been lifted by Farage’s political comeback and feel they have a real alternative to vote for that offers them hope for the Britain they want to see.
‘A decent, dignified politician’
“What a seismic change to the election, now that Farage has thrown his hat into the ring. Bring it on,” reacts Alfie Capone
Paul Cantab says: “I’ve never felt as optimistic as I have this evening. As a former Conservative party member and activist, I’m delighted that Farage is going to lead the charge against the failed elites. The Tories have betrayed the British people. Time for Reform!”
For Nigel Plumpton, this is the “best news this year”. He says it’s “good to see some energy, enthusiasm and patriotism in what has so far been a dull, boring and woke election campaign. It will take some years to get this country back on track, but here’s hoping. They certainly get my vote”.
Robert Bard comments: “Sunak’s worst nightmare has just happened. Brilliant, at last we have a real choice!”
Similarly, John P. Cook shared his pleasure in the news: “This is the best thing that could possibly have happened. A decent, dignified politician with an uncanny ability to actually answer questions and drive change.
“He will mobilise millions of people who otherwise would have felt disenfranchised and therefore not bothered.”
‘This news changes everything’
For many undecided voters, Farage’s comeback has been enough to persuade them.
Reader S.R.G. Pratt, for example, had previously decided not to vote. However, following Farage’s announcement, she has now decided to and “will, after a lifetime voting Conservative, be voting for Reform UK. Farage is right: we need a rebellion against the self-righteous, smug establishment”.
Likewise, K. Furley has also been convinced. “I think Farage would make a great prime minister. We need someone outside the box, outside the system. A bit like Donald Trump, and I’m fine with that because the other parties offer absolutely nothing but the same old rubbish. So pleased!”
Paul St Quentin has given a number of donations to Reform during its early existence, cautiously awaiting developments. But he says “this news changes everything, and I am now happy to take the plunge and join the party”.
‘The Tories have no one else to blame’
Some readers believe Nigel Farage’s decision to stand as an MP will enable Reform to gain more traction and momentum - and could even help Reform UK overtake the Tories in polls.
Steve Buffam thinks “this may be the turning point in the election. If all of us who voted for Brexit get out and vote Reform, the British people can re-establish some belief in our country”.
William Tell predicts that “this time next week both the Tories and Labour will be down in the polls and Reform up”.
However, some readers, like Colin Sams, believe that a vote for Reform is risky and “will further divide the Right-wing vote”.
“Welcome in a Labour government”, says George Williams in a similar vein. “He has tried for parliament seven times and the answer is no. It will be the same.”
However, Peter Oxley argues that “even if it’s a Labour landslide because Reform splits the Tory vote, it’ll be worth it.
“The Tories will be destroyed and Labour will be so bad that Reform will win in 2029. We will witness the end of the tired old political two-horse race. The Tories have no one else to blame but themselves.”
