Nigel Farage says questions over his finances are part of ‘coordinated pile-on’
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Nigel Farage claims questions about his finances are part of a "coordinated pile-on" to undermine Reform UK.
- He criticized Labour leader Andy Burnham and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch as leaders of the "uniparty."
- Farage is campaigning in the Clacton by-election, facing independent candidates after major parties boycotted the race.
Nigel Farage has accused those questioning his financial backing of "demonizing" him as part of a "coordinated pile-on" aimed at hindering Reform UK's progress. This comes amid two parliamentary standards inquiries into his financial support.
Americans will remember this playbook, won’t they? This happened in America. […] I found myself and my colleagues being judged to be guilty, guilty every single day.
Farage, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference GB (Cpac GB) in London, described himself as having been "dehumanised in the most extraordinary way." He specifically targeted Labour leader Andy Burnham and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, labeling them leaders of the "uniparty." The conference featured hard-right figures, including US influencer Jack Posobiec, known for promoting the Pizzagate conspiracy theory.
Addressing the audience, Farage drew parallels to events in America, stating, "Americans will remember this playbook, won’t they? This happened in America." He asserted that he and his colleagues were being judged guilty daily. On the day Burnham officially became Labour leader, Farage called him a "dud" and demanded an immediate general election, stating the British public is tired of the "musical chairs" in Downing Street.
The British public have had enough of this game of musical chairs that is taking place in Downing Street. There must be an immediate general election so the country can decide.
Farage also pointed to the election of Colin Sutton, a former high-profile murder investigator, as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk, as evidence of Reform UK's growing influence. He highlighted the party's fundraising success, claiming it raised more money last year than any other political party. Farage is currently campaigning in the Clacton by-election, triggered by his resignation as an MP due to scrutiny over his finances. His main opponent is Count Binface, as other major parties boycotted the contest, calling it a "circus."
I’ve taken a punt, because I like a gamble. The people of Clacton can decide whether they back me or whether they back the establishment.
Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.