Tory MPs pleading with Reform UK not to stand against them, says Richard Tice
GuardianJan 02
Nigel Farage to Stand in UK General Election
Above: New Reform UK leader Nigel Farage announces that he will stand during the upcoming general election during a press conference on June 3, 2024 in London, England. Image copyright: Dan Kitwood/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
In a change of course, Nigel Farage on Monday announced his plans to run in the UK's general election slated for next month as the leader of the Reform party. He previously said that he wouldn't stand as a parliamentary candidate.
The Brexit supporter and ally of former US Pres. Donald Trump recently said that he was committed to helping Trump’s reelection campaign, and thus wouldn’t stand in the election. However, he held an "emergency" press conference to announce that he'd run for a seat in parliament.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
After years of being disappointed by the Conservatives, British voters will finally get a legitimate alternative that will put the UK first. The Tories have failed to implement any of the policies their voters wanted, and illegal immigration continues to ravage the country. Nigel Farage has been one of Britain’s fiercest patriots, and it’s about time that Brits actually vote for someone rather than against their opponents. The Tories had their chance, and they had no right to complain about Reform’s challenge.
Right narrative
Nigel Farage's flip-flop on standing in next month's election shows that he's all about himself and isn't concerned with helping the UK. Farage running as Reform's leader will only take away votes from the Conservatives and ensure that Labour will have a large majority in parliament. Farage has made everything about himself, and he's only offering complaints about the UK’s current state, not any solutions. Farage's vanity run won't accomplish anything.
Left narrative
Nigel Farage is extremely problematic. While his candidacy won’t secure Reform a majority in parliament, it could inflict major damage on the Tories. While Farage’s brand of politics is more overtly odious and xenophobic than the Conservative mainstream, it's unlikely that he can form a formidable coalition, even if right-wingers are disillusioned with Sunak and the Tories. Overall, Farage may win a petty dispute with the Tories, but that's about it.