Nigel Farage, the newly-crowned leader of Reform UK, kicked off his general election campaign in Clacton, promising to be a “bloody nuisance” in Westminster. He expressed his goal for Reform UK to take over the Conservative Party, potentially leading him to No 10 in the future. Farage addressed a crowd at Clacton Pier, where supporters cheered him on and urged him to be sent to Parliament to cause chaos. However, clashes erupted between his supporters and protestors, highlighting the divisive nature of his candidacy. Farage’s ambitions for Reform UK were further emphasized in an interview where he discussed potentially taking over the Conservative Party, rather than joining it.
Nigel Farage general election latest: Protestors and supporters clash in Clacton as Reform leader pledges to be ‘bloody nuisance’
Nigel Farage confirms he will stand as Reform UK candidate in general election
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Newly-crowned Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has kicked off his general election campaign in Clacton today, as he promised to be a “bloody nuisance” in Westminster.
Mr Farage has set out his goal for Reform UK to effectively take over the Conservative Party – and potentially put him in No 10 in future. On Tuesday he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain his goal was to take the Conservative Party over, rather than join it.
And in his first major public speech since announcing his candidacy he addressed a crowd of hundreds at Clacton Pier.
Shouts from the crowd included “get ‘em Nige” and “we love you Nigel”. He told those gathered: “Send me to Parliament to be a bloody nuisance.”
But Mr Farage did not have to go to Westminster to stir up chaos, as his supporters clashed with protestors over a sign that said: “Farage not welcome in Clacton”.
The Reform UK leader in the Essex constituency, a staunchly Brexit-backing constituency, which is believed to hold favourable odds for him– but it will be his party’s impact on the national picture that is of most concern to the Conservatives.
Key Points
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‘We can take over Conservative party’ – Farage
Farage was bullish on his ambitions for UK Reform after being appointed leader in an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
He said: “You can speculate as to what’ll happen in three or four years’ time, all I will tell you is if Reform succeed in the way that I think they can, then a chunk of the Conservative Party will join us – it’s the other way around,” he said
Mr Farage highlighted Canada, where “Reform did a reverse takeover of the Conservative Party, rebranded it and Stephen Harper – who was elected as a Reform MP – became the Canadian prime minister for 10 years”.
He said: “I don’t want to join the Conservative Party, I think the better thing to do would be to take it over.”
Alex Ross4 June 2024 13:57
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Finished ‘like a rock star leaving a venue’
As Nigel Farage finished his speech at the rally in Clacton-on-Sea, many of the hundreds watching cheered him off the podium “like a rock star leaving a venue”, says political editor David Maddox who was there to report on what was said.
With people pushing forward asking for selfies, he made his way for a quick tour on an open top bus before settling for a drink at Wetherspoon pub.
Not everyone was pleased to see him, however.
Three protestors held a sign during his speech that read: “Farage not welcome in Clacton”.
Thumbs up from Nigel Farage as he greets the crowd outside Clacton Pier (EPA)
Alex Ross4 June 2024 13:52
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Farage pledges to a ‘bloody nuisance’ if elected
Nigel Farage said he would be a “bloody nuisance” in Westminster if elected as MP in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.
In his first major public speech since announcing his candidacy he addressed a crowd of hundreds at Clacton Pier.
Shouts from the crowd included “get ’em Nige” and “we love you Nigel”.
He told those gathered: “Send me to Parliament to be a bloody nuisance.”
Alex Ross4 June 2024 13:31
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Nigel Farage appears to ditch key Reform UK immigration policy during live interview
But, appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Farage appeared to drop the policy, saying he needed to “sort a few things out”.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 June 2024 13:18
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‘Tories deserve to be punished for Brexit betrayal’- Farage
Nigel Farage said the Tories deserved to be punished for their betrayal over Brexit.
At a rally in Clacton, the Reform UK leader said: “We made an offer to the British people, we could get back our independence and control of our borders.
“But what has happened? The Conservatives have betrayed that trust. They’ve opened up the borders to mass immigration like we’ve never seen before.
“And they deserve to pay a price for that, a big price for that.”
(James Manning/PA Wire)
Alex Ross4 June 2024 13:06
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Fred Sirieix: Farage ‘good at washing dishes’ but ‘no plan in politics’
Nigel Farage’s jungle campmate has spoken out following the new Reform UK leader’s campaign launch.
Fred Sirieix, who took part in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get me Out of Here! last year wrote: “I spoke at length and extensively with Nigel Farage for 3 weeks while in the jungle. I wanted to make my own mind up about him and his views.
“Conclusion is simple. He was very good at washing the dishes in the river but when it comes to politics he has no plan and no substance.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 June 2024 12:58
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Independent councillor has Farage’s nomination papers ready to submit
David Maddox reporting live from the scene in Clacton-on-Sea:
Independent councillor Peter Harris, a former Ukip candidate who is on the campaign team, already has Nigel Farage’s nomination papers to submit.
(David Maddox )
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 June 2024 12:45
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In pictures: Crowds line the streets to listen to Farage’s first campaign speech
(James Manning/PA Wire)(James Manning/PA Wire)
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 June 2024 12:36
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Farage protestors and supporters clash in Clacton
Clashes broke out between Nigel Farage supporters and protestors during the Reform UK leader’s campaign speech in Clacton-on-Sea.
Among the large crowd listening to the former Ukip leader speak, three protestors held a sign that reads: “Farage not welcome in Clacton”.
Enraged supporters approached the protestors and called them “traitors”.
(David Maddox)
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 June 2024 12:27
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Farage: ‘Send me to Parliament to be a bloody nuisance’
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he would be a “bloody nuisance” in Westminster if elected as MP in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.
In his first major public speech since announcing his candidacy he addressed a crowd of hundreds at Clacton Pier.
Shouts from the crowd included “get ‘em Nige” and “we love you Nigel”.
He told those gathered: “Send me to Parliament to be a bloody nuisance.”
(PA)
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 June 2024 12:21
Read the full story on www.independent.co.uk
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nigel-farage-election-campaign-clacton-latest-b2556091.html