Nigel Farage is a prominent British politician and broadcaster known for his role in the UK's exit from the European Union. He has held leadership positions in several political parties, including UKIP and Reform UK. He served as a Member of the European Parliament for over two decades and remains a vocal figure in British politics, currently running for Parliament and working as a presenter for GB News.
The 1906 general election was the last time, before UKIP's win in 2014, that a party other than Labour or Conservative won the popular vote in a British national election, signifying a break in the two-party dominance.
In the December 1910 general election, a party other than Labour or Conservative won the largest number of seats for the first time.
The December 1910 general election marked the last time a party other than Labour or Conservatives secured the highest number of seats in a British national election, before UKIP's victory in the 2014 European Parliament elections.
Nigel Paul Farage was born in April 1964.
Guy Farage gave up alcohol in 1971 and entered the antiques trade.
From 1975 to 1982, Nigel Farage was educated at Dulwich College.
Nigel Farage joined the Conservative Party in 1978.
In 1981, an English teacher wrote to the headmaster of Dulwich College, expressing concerns over Farage's alleged 'fascist' views.
Nigel Farage left Dulwich College in 1982.
Nigel Farage started working in the City of London, trading commodities, in 1982.
In November 1985, Nigel Farage was seriously injured after being hit by a car. He sustained head injuries and a severe leg injury that nearly resulted in amputation, requiring an extensive 11-month recovery period.
Just over a year after recovering from his accident, Nigel Farage faced another health challenge in December 1986 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He underwent surgery to remove the affected testicle, and fortunately, the cancer had not spread.
Nigel Farage joined Crédit Lyonnais Rouse in 1986.
Nigel Farage married Irish nurse Gráinne Hayes in 1988.
Nigel Farage voted for the Green Party in 1989.
Nigel Farage's first child, a son named Samuel, was born in 1989.
Nigel Farage welcomed his second child, a son named Thomas, in 1991.
In 1992, the UK witnessed a significant decline in voter turnout compared to previous general elections. This decline, highlighted by Nigel Farage in his 2006 speech, pointed to a growing disillusionment with the established political parties and a potential opportunity for UKIP to capitalize on.
Nigel Farage left the Conservative Party in 1992 after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty.
In 1993, Nigel Farage, a staunch critic of the European Union, co-founded the UK Independence Party (UKIP). This action marked a significant step in his political career, solidifying his commitment to advocating for Britain's withdrawal from the EU.
In 1994, Nigel Farage asked Enoch Powell to back UKIP, but was turned down.
Nigel Farage campaigned unsuccessfully in European and Westminster parliamentary elections in 1994.
Nigel Farage joined Refco in 1994.
Nigel Farage and his first wife, Gráinne Hayes, divorced in 1997 after nine years of marriage.
Nigel Farage entered into his second marriage with Kirsten Mehr, a German national, in 1999.
Nigel Farage was elected to the European Parliament in 1999.
Upon assuming his role as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the UK Independence Party (UKIP) in 1999, Nigel Farage became a vocal critic of the "euro project." He argued that a uniform interest rate was impractical for countries with distinct economic structures, often citing the contrasting cases of Greece and Germany to illustrate his point.
In 2000, Jacques Barrot was convicted of embezzling £2 million from government funds.
Nigel Farage joined Natixis Metals in 2003.
In November 2004, Nigel Farage, during a European Parliament session, accused Jacques Barrot, the French Commissioner-designate, of embezzling public funds and being barred from office in France. This accusation sparked controversy as it brought up a past conviction of Barrot, who had received amnesty.
Nigel Farage was re-elected to the European Parliament in 2004.
In May 2005, Nigel Farage requested the European Commission to reveal the holiday destinations of its Commissioners, citing transparency. However, the Commission declined, citing privacy concerns.
In May 2005, following his demands for transparency and the revelation of potential conflicts of interest involving José Manuel Barroso, then President of the European Commission, Farage rallied enough support to table a motion of no confidence against Barroso, compelling him to appear before the European Parliament.
In 2005, an audio recording emerged capturing Donald Trump making lewd and offensive remarks about women. This recording would later resurface during the 2016 presidential election, sparking widespread condemnation and controversy.
Nigel Farage expressed his disillusionment with the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system, citing the 2005 UK general election as a turning point. He found it unacceptable that Tony Blair's Labour Party secured a 60-seat majority with only 36% of the vote, a figure that dropped to 22% when considering low voter turnout.
Nigel Farage became the leader of UKIP in September 2006.
On September 12, 2006, Nigel Farage secured a significant victory within UKIP, being elected as the party's leader with 45% of the vote. This win set him on a path to significantly influence the party's direction and raise its profile in British politics.
In October 2006, Nigel Farage participated in a three-hour live interview and phone-in with James Whale on the national radio station Talksport.
In his first address as UKIP leader at the party conference in October 2006, Nigel Farage outlined his vision for UKIP, positioning it as the true opposition party in British politics. He criticized the existing major parties - Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Conservatives - for their lack of distinct ideological differences.
In 2006, Nigel Farage became the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP).
In February 2008, during Prince Charles' speech at the European Parliament advocating for EU leadership on climate change, Nigel Farage remained seated during the standing ovation. He further criticized the Prince's advisors, calling them "naïve and foolish."
In 2008, UKIP was represented by Gerard Batten in the London Mayoral Election after James Whale, who initially expressed interest, decided not to stand.
In May 2009, The Observer reported on a speech by Nigel Farage where he revealed receiving £2 million in expenses during his decade as an MEP. This revelation sparked scrutiny and calls for transparency, leading Farage to pledge monthly expense disclosures for UKIP MEPs.
In September 2009, Nigel Farage resigned as UKIP's leader to concentrate on his campaign to become Member of Parliament for Buckingham in the 2010 general election.
Nigel Farage stepped down as UKIP leader in November 2009.
Nigel Farage led UKIP through the 2009 European elections.
In February 2010, Nigel Farage attracted criticism for his disrespectful comments towards Herman Van Rompuy, the then newly appointed President of the European Council. Farage's remarks, questioning Van Rompuy's legitimacy and making derogatory comments about his charisma, were deemed inappropriate and resulted in disciplinary action.
On May 2010, Nigel Farage was injured when a PZL-104 Wilga aircraft he was traveling in crashed. While initially described as minor, his injuries included a broken sternum and ribs, and a punctured lung. The crash was attributed to a pro-UKIP banner attached to the plane.
Nigel Farage won the UKIP leadership contest in November 2010.
In December 2010, Justin Adams, the pilot involved in the plane crash that injured Farage, was charged with threatening to kill Farage and an Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) official.
Nigel Farage ran for Member of Parliament for Buckingham in the 2010 general election.
Nigel Farage returned as leader of UKIP in 2010.
Nigel Farage was involved in a plane crash in 2010, resulting in spinal injuries that impacted his ability to play golf.
Nigel Farage's memoir, "Fighting Bull" (later released in paperback as "Flying Free"), hit bookshelves in 2010. The book delves into his personal and political life, including the founding of UKIP.
In April 2011, Justin Adams was found guilty of making death threats against Nigel Farage and an AAIB official.
During the campaign leading up to the UK voting system referendum in May 2011, Nigel Farage broke from his party's stance and expressed his support for the Alternative Vote (AV) system. While the UK Independence Party (UKIP) ultimately supported AV through its official decision-making process, Farage personally favored the AV+ system. He believed that retaining the constituency link and implementing a second ballot to minimize wasted votes were positive aspects of AV+.
A 2012 BBC Radio 4 profile described Guy Farage, Nigel's father, as an alcoholic who left the family when Nigel was five.
In the 2012 London mayoral election, UKIP's candidate, Laurence Webb, appeared on the ballot paper without the party name due to an internal error.
There was a minor increase in the size of the Arctic sea ice cap from 2012 to 2013.
In May 2013, Nigel Farage was confronted by protesters during a press conference in Edinburgh. The protesters accused him of racism, fascism, and homophobia, and he was escorted away by police. This incident highlighted the controversy surrounding Farage and his views.
In May 2013, UKIP, under Farage's leadership, achieved its best performance in a UK election, securing 23% of the vote and 147 council seats in the local elections. This victory positioned them as a significant political force.
During a speech delivered to the European Parliament on September 11, 2013, Nigel Farage brought up a news report highlighting the apparent growth of the Arctic Sea ice cap from 2012 to 2013. He presented this as evidence against what he perceived as decades of misguided policies driven by "Euro-federalism" and an excessive focus on environmental concerns. It's important to note that this growth was a minor fluctuation within a larger trend of declining sea ice. Farage has consistently expressed skepticism about climate change, referring to it as a "scam."
In October 2013, Nigel Farage announced his intention to stand for election as an MP in the 2015 United Kingdom general election.
In December 2013, Justin Adams was found dead at his home. The circumstances surrounding his death were not considered suspicious.
In 2013, Nigel Farage admitted to setting up the Farage Family Educational Trust 1654 on the Isle of Man for "inheritance purposes." Although he defended it as "standard practice" and claimed it was never used, the revelation sparked controversy and accusations of hypocrisy, given his previous criticism of tax avoidance.
In 2013, Nigel Farage publicly criticized José Manuel Barroso's former affiliation with the Maoist Portuguese Workers' Communist Party during a European Parliament session. He linked Barroso's past to his current political ideologies.
In 2013, Nigel Farage voiced his disapproval of the smoking ban implemented in enclosed public spaces, deeming it an unreasonable and excessive restriction. He proposed the establishment of designated smoking areas, similar to those found in certain German states. Farage argued that outright bans tend to make activities more appealing to young people. He emphasized personal responsibility and the importance of individual choice, suggesting that excessive regulation was unwarranted. He pointed out the issue of obesity as a more pressing health concern than smoking, drawing a parallel to suggest that banning things like chip shops or doughnuts would be equally illogical.
Initially calling upon the British government to welcome more Syrian Civil War refugees in 2013, Nigel Farage later narrowed his stance, advocating for prioritizing Christian minorities. He argued that Muslim-majority safe havens were closer, thereby implying a preference based on religion. During the ensuing migrant crisis, he faced criticism for claiming many were economic migrants, even alleging some were Islamic State militants, further fueling accusations of prejudice.
Nigel Farage emerged as a staunch critic of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasizing the devastating consequences for civilians and British service personnel. He attributed the migrant exodus from Libya to NATO's intervention, which he believed destabilized the region. During the 2013 parliamentary debates on Syria, he urged caution, citing the high financial and human costs of previous interventions. Farage also expressed concerns about Islamic extremists within the Syrian rebel forces, further solidifying his stance against military involvement.
Nigel Farage expressed opposition to imposing sanctions on Iran in 2013, arguing against "acts of aggression," even when a country's existence is perceived to be under threat. He extended this stance to rejecting a potential Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, advocating for diplomatic solutions.
Nigel Farage was ranked second in The Daily Telegraph's Top 100 most influential right-wingers poll in 2013.
UKIP was preparing for county council elections in 2013.
In April 2014, Nigel Farage sparked controversy and debate by hiring his wife, Kirsten Mehr, as his parliamentary secretary. His justification that "nobody else could do that job" only fueled further scrutiny.
In April 2014, during a phone-in interview hosted by The Daily Telegraph, Nigel Farage shared his views on recreational drugs. He advocated for an anti-prohibitionist approach, arguing that the War on Drugs had long been lost. While personally opposed to drug use, he expressed concerns that criminalizing all drugs was not beneficial to British society. He called for a Royal Commission to comprehensively examine drug legislation and explore alternative approaches, including potential legalization, to address the criminal justice and public health issues associated with drug use.
In May 2014, during a visit to Edinburgh, Nigel Farage accurately predicted UKIP's win of a Scottish seat in the upcoming European Parliament elections. This event was met with significant protests, highlighting the polarized political climate and UKIP's growing influence.
In June 2014, Nigel Farage faced a fine of £200 from the Electoral Commission for failing to declare gifts worth £205,603 within the stipulated 30-day timeframe under UK law. This controversy involved gifts received over a decade, including the free use of a barn for his constituency office, which had been declared in the EU register but not to the UK authorities.
In August 2014, Nigel Farage was chosen as the UKIP candidate for South Thanet in the upcoming election.
Nigel Farage attended a pro-union rally with Scottish UKIP MEP David Coburn ahead of Scotland's independence referendum in September 2014.
In October 2014, Nigel Farage was invited to participate in prospective Leaders' debates ahead of the 2015 general election.
In November 2014, following the "Luxembourg Leaks" scandal, Nigel Farage played a significant role in initiating a motion of censure against Jean-Claude Juncker, the then President of the European Commission, for his alleged involvement in tax avoidance schemes during his time as Prime Minister of Luxembourg. Although the motion was defeated, it highlighted Farage's stance against corporate tax avoidance and his willingness to challenge powerful figures within the EU.
Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in England and Wales in 2014, Nigel Farage expressed his personal opposition while respecting the law. He stated his belief that opposing views, particularly from religious communities, should be allowed in public discourse.
In 2014, Nigel Farage expressed his perspective on Russia's annexation of Crimea. While stating his disapproval of the annexation itself, he criticized the response of EU leaders, characterizing it as "weak and vain." He contended that provoking Russia would inevitably elicit a response.
In 2014, Nigel Farage publicly identified as a Christian, describing himself as a "somewhat lapsed" member of the Church of England.
In 2014, Nigel Farage sparked debate by revealing UKIP's policy to legalize and license handguns in the UK. He challenged the existing legislation, enacted after the Dunblane school massacre, as "ludicrous." Farage argued that responsible gun ownership did not correlate with gun crime, advocating for individual liberty and questioning the effectiveness of strict gun control measures.
In 2014, following the Panama Papers leak, Farage refused to release his tax return, defending his stance by saying that earnings are a private matter. He called out the hypocrisy of others criticizing his financial practices.
In 2014, when asked about admired leaders, Nigel Farage sparked controversy by acknowledging Vladimir Putin's political skills. He remarked, "As an operator, but not as a human being, I would say Putin. The way he played the whole Syria thing. Brilliant. Not that I approve of him politically. How many journalists in jail now?" This statement highlighted the complex relationship many Western politicians grappled with regarding Putin, recognizing his strategic prowess while condemning his human rights record.
In a 2014 LBC interview, Nigel Farage attracted criticism for stating he'd be "concerned" if Romanian men became his neighbors. His evasive response, "You know the difference," when asked to compare this with German families (referencing his own) fueled accusations of prejudice. He later attempted clarification on UKIP's website, emphasizing the need for robust work permit schemes.
In a 2014 interview, Nigel Farage sparked outrage by suggesting that individuals with HIV should be prohibited from immigrating to the UK.
In the 2014 European Parliament elections, Nigel Farage, leading the UK Independence Party (UKIP), secured a historic victory. This marked the first time since the 1906 general election that a party other than Labour or Conservatives won the popular vote in a nationwide election, demonstrating a significant shift in the political landscape.
Nigel Farage appeared in an advertisement for the bookmaker Paddy Power in anticipation of the 2014 Ryder Cup golf tournament. This appearance further cemented his presence in the public eye.
Nigel Farage was named "Briton of the Year" by The Times in 2014.
Nigel Farage was re-elected to the European Parliament once again in 2014.
Nigel Farage's appearance in the 2014 online documentary "Bilderberg: The Movie," alongside known conspiracy theorists, raised concerns about his judgment and susceptibility to fringe beliefs. In the film, he expressed skepticism towards conspiracy theories while accusing the European Union of undermining national sovereignty. Further scrutiny revealed Farage had retweeted Jack Posobiec, a promoter of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. His association with figures from the LaRouche movement and InfoWars fueled concerns about his embrace of conspiracy-laden narratives.
Nigel Farage's close ties with Steve Bannon, Donald Trump's former chief strategist, were reported to have existed since at least 2014. During this time, Bannon facilitated meetings between Farage and influential right-wing figures in Washington. Farage's book, "The Purple Revolution," describes Bannon as "my sort of chap."
UKIP was preparing for the European Parliament election in 2014.
In March 2015, Nigel Farage, his family, and he were chased by anti-UKIP activists from a pub in Downe, Greater London. His daughters were later found safe after separating to hide. Farage called the protesters "scum" in response.
Nigel Farage pledged to step down as UKIP leader if he wasn't elected as an MP in the upcoming election, believing it would damage his credibility to lead without a parliamentary seat.
Nigel Farage participated in the 7-way Leaders' TV debate, broadcast by ITV, in April 2015. Some polls indicated Farage as a joint winner of the debate.
After initially resigning as UKIP leader, in May 2015, Farage remained the party leader. UKIP's national executive committee deemed the recent election campaign successful and rejected his resignation. Farage decided to stay and lead.
Nigel Farage experienced car trouble in October 2015 when the wheel nuts on his car came loose, leading him to suspect potential tampering. While he reported the incident to French police, he didn't pursue the matter further.
A Survation poll indicated that 22% of voters intended to support UKIP in the 2015 General Election.
Following the 2015 UK general election, in which the UK Independence Party (UKIP) garnered a significantly smaller proportion of seats compared to its share of the vote, Nigel Farage intensified his criticism of the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) voting system, labeling it "totally bankrupt."
In 2015, Nigel Farage expressed support for Muslim immigrants who integrate into British society while voicing concerns about those he believed aimed to "take over." Citing John Howard's Australia as a model, he claimed the UK harbored a "fifth column" of Islamic extremists. He also sparked controversy by stating that the "basic principle" of Enoch Powell's inflammatory "Rivers of Blood" speech was valid.
In 2015, Nigel Farage ignited a public debate by claiming that the National Health Service (NHS) was allocating funds to treat immigrants with HIV that could have been used for taxpayers with serious conditions. A YouGov poll revealed a divided public, with 50% supporting Farage's stance and 37% perceiving it as scaremongering.
In 2015, despite his previous reservations, Nigel Farage advocated for cooperation with Vladimir Putin in combating ISIS in Syria. He argued that while the West demonized Putin, it was crucial to recognize shared interests in defeating a common enemy. This stance further illustrated Farage's pragmatic approach to international relations, prioritizing strategic goals over ideological differences.
In a 2015 interview, Nigel Farage stirred controversy by expressing a "slight preference" for immigrants from India and Australia over those from Eastern Europe. He reasoned that the former were "in some ways more likely to speak English, understand common law and have a connection with this country." This statement drew criticism for implying a hierarchy of desirability among immigrants.
In his 2015 book, Nigel Farage reflected on his experiences with the National Health Service (NHS) and offered his perspective on healthcare. He suggested that individuals who could afford private healthcare should consider utilizing it, particularly for diagnostic procedures and preventative measures. He perceived the NHS as overwhelmed and inefficient, arguing that patients often faced significant challenges unless they were fortunate. While acknowledging the NHS's strengths in critical care, he believed it fell short in areas such as timely screenings, diagnoses, and elective surgeries. Farage expressed support for reforming the NHS, attributing its strained resources to factors like increased immigration and criticizing Labour's handling of private finance initiatives, which he blamed for the high costs associated with new hospitals.
In the 2015 general election, UKIP became the third most popular party.
Nigel Farage reignited controversy during the 2015 election debates, asserting that the NHS was overburdened by immigrants seeking expensive HIV treatment. He stated, "You can come into Britain from anywhere in the world and get diagnosed with HIV and get the retro-viral drugs that cost up to £25,000 per year per patient... What we need to do is to put the NHS there for British people and families, who in many cases have paid into the system for decades." These remarks drew condemnation for their insensitivity and potential to fuel stigma.
Nigel Farage was set to contest either Folkestone and Hythe or South Thanet in the 2015 United Kingdom general election.
Nigel Farage's second book, titled "The Purple Revolution: The Year That Changed Everything," was published in 2015 by Biteback Publishing.
UKIP was preparing for a general election in 2015.
In January 2016, Nigel Farage's claims of his car being tampered with in October 2015 were disputed. The Times contradicted his account, asserting that Dunkirk prosecutors found no evidence of foul play and an investigation wasn't launched. Farage later admitted to a "terrible, terrible mistake" by speaking to journalists.
In May 2016, despite having reservations about Donald Trump's views and character, Nigel Farage stated his intention to vote for Trump in the US presidential election to prevent Hillary Clinton's presidency.
Following the success of the Brexit campaign, in June 2016, Nigel Farage argued for June 23rd to be observed as British Independence Day, pushing for it to become a national holiday.
Nigel Farage delivered a controversial speech at the European Parliament in June 2016, where he stated a trade deal failure would be worse for the EU than the UK and insulted fellow MEPs. His comments, including predicting other countries leaving the EU, sparked global media attention and drew criticism, with Guy Verhofstadt comparing Farage's referendum posters to Nazi propaganda.
During a visit to the Republican convention in July 2016, Nigel Farage's aide, George Cottrell, was arrested by the FBI on charges of fraud, money laundering, and extortion. Farage expressed surprise at the arrest, claiming ignorance of Cottrell's alleged illegal activities. The incident left Farage without access to his personal diary. Cottrell later pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to prison and fined.
In July 2016, Nigel Farage resigned as UKIP leader for the third time, stating his desire to reclaim his life. While some criticized his legacy as toxic, others praised his political achievements, with journalist Rod Liddle describing him as the most important British politician of the last decade.
August 2016 marked the first meeting between Nigel Farage and Donald Trump at a campaign fundraiser in Mississippi. Invited by Governor Phil Bryant's staffers, Farage, along with Andy Wigmore and Arron Banks, attended the event. Trump subsequently invited them to his campaign rally, where he introduced Farage as "Mr. Brexit" to the crowd.
Nigel Farage's praise of Donald Trump's dominance over Hillary Clinton, comparing him to a gorilla, sparked controversy in October 2016. Following the release of a 2005 recording featuring Trump's lewd remarks about women, Farage, while acknowledging the comments as "ugly," downplayed them as "alpha male boasting." This stance drew criticism from UKIP members and sparked public condemnation. As allegations against Trump escalated, Farage distanced himself from the remarks, expressing disagreement with Trump's views on groping women and Muslim immigration.
Following his election victory in November 2016, Donald Trump publicly suggested Nigel Farage as the UK's ambassador to the United States via a Twitter post. This unprecedented move, a significant breach of diplomatic protocol, was met with swift rejection from the British government. Downing Street and then-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson emphasized that there was no vacancy for the position.
In November 2016, Farage planned a march to the Supreme Court but canceled it due to concerns of far-right groups hijacking it. He stepped down as UKIP leader, with Paul Nuttall taking his place, a move Farage claimed was to improve his relationship with Donald Trump.
In November 2016, Nigel Farage was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 33rd Parliamentarian of the Year awards, organized by The Spectator magazine. The award recognized his influential role in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Nigel Farage clashed with Gina Miller on The Andrew Marr Show in November 2016, following her legal challenge against using the Royal Prerogative to invoke Article 50. While Miller argued that the referendum was advisory and criticized politicians for lying, Farage insisted on respecting the "leave" vote. His calls for protests were met with criticism, with Tim Farron accusing him of "gutter politics." Miller, who received death threats, blamed Farage and the tabloid media for inciting negativity.
Nigel Farage was shortlisted for Time magazine's prestigious Person of the Year award in December 2016, recognizing his significant global impact.
During the 2016 Austrian presidential election campaign, Nigel Farage made a statement regarding the Freedom Party candidate, Norbert Hofer. Farage suggested that if Hofer were to win, he would initiate a referendum akin to Brexit. However, Hofer refuted this claim, dismissing the idea of a referendum and requesting that Farage refrain from interfering in Austria's internal political affairs.
Following the vote to leave the EU, Nigel Farage resigned as leader of UKIP in 2016.
Nigel Farage was a key figure in the successful 2016 Brexit campaign, which resulted in 52% of voters opting to leave the EU. He suggested a possible second referendum if the result was closer than 52-48 and criticized Barack Obama for getting involved in the debate.
Nigel Farage was ranked the fifth-most influential MEP by Politico in 2016.
The FBI launched an investigation in 2016 to examine potential Russian interference in the US presidential election. The investigation focused on Russia's efforts to influence the election outcome and any potential links between Russia and individuals associated with the Trump campaign.
Nigel Farage began hosting "The Nigel Farage Show" on the UK talk radio station LBC in January 2017. The show, broadcast live on Monday to Thursday evenings, marked another step in Farage's media career.
Nigel Farage was hired as a commentator by the US news channel Fox News in January 2017, the day of Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. He provided political analysis for both Fox News and Fox Business Network.
News broke in February 2017 that Nigel Farage and his second wife, Kirsten Mehr, were living "separate lives" and Farage had moved out of their family home.
In April 2017, Nigel Farage announced his decision not to contest the upcoming general election, stating his belief that he could contribute to his vision of Brexit better as a leader in the European Parliament.
During a BBC interview with Rachel Johnson in May 2017, Nigel Farage provided a candid self-description as "53, separated, skint," attributing his financial situation to two decades of political campaigning.
During an October 2017 discussion on LBC radio, Nigel Farage made controversial statements about the Israeli lobby in the United States, drawing condemnation for perpetuating anti-Semitic tropes. Responding to a caller who argued that the pro-Israeli lobby was as potentially harmful as Russian interference in US politics, Farage agreed, highlighting the lobby's influence despite the relatively small Jewish population in America. He characterized the Jewish lobby as a "very powerful lobby" with strong ties to the Israeli government. The Campaign Against Antisemitism and the Anti-Defamation League denounced Farage's remarks, arguing that they fueled extremist conspiracy theories and played into harmful stereotypes.
In 2017, Farage publicly called for the departure of Douglas Carswell, UKIP's only MP. Tensions arose from allegations that Carswell tried to prevent Farage from receiving a knighthood.
In 2017, Nigel Farage was identified as a person of interest in the FBI's investigation into potential Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. His connections to Trump, WikiLeaks, and Julian Assange drew scrutiny. Farage denied any involvement with Russia, attributing the scrutiny to the "liberal elite" unable to accept Brexit and Trump's victory. However, he acknowledged meeting Assange and his lawyers, advocating for him, and maintaining long-standing ties between UKIP and Assange during his leadership.
In the 2017 French presidential election, Nigel Farage initially extended his endorsement to Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, representing Debout la France, a party aligned with the Alliance for Direct Democracy in Europe. Subsequently, for the second round of the election, Farage shifted his support to Marine Le Pen of the National Front. Farage's endorsement of Le Pen stemmed from his conviction that she would adopt a more sympathetic stance towards the UK in the aftermath of Brexit, contrasting with the pro-European stance of Emmanuel Macron.
Nigel Farage delivered a speech at a rally organized in support of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. This event, held in the lead-up to the 2017 German federal election, saw Farage's participation following a personal invitation from Beatrix von Storch, the deputy leader of the party.
Nigel Farage started hosting "The Nigel Farage Show", a radio phone-in on LBC, in 2017.
Nigel Farage started hosting a podcast titled "Farage Against The Machine" in March 2018, using a play on words referencing the band Rage Against the Machine. The podcast, released under LBC, featured discussions on political events and news.
Beginning in April 2018, Nigel Farage became a vocal proponent for awarding Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize. He cited Trump's efforts to improve diplomatic relations between North Korea and South Korea, as well as between North Korea and the United States, as justification for the award. As a member of the European Parliament, Farage expressed his intention to initiate an official petition to support Trump's nomination.
In April 2018, Nigel Farage shared that his children hold both British and German passports, are fluent in German, and have faced teasing due to their connection to him. He highlighted this in response to criticisms of his stance on Europe.
In May 2018, Nigel Farage addressed a fundraising event for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), where his financial backer, Arron Banks, suggested potential support for Farage's candidacy as a DUP representative after his time as Member of the European Parliament.
In May 2018, Nigel Farage publicly expressed regret for his earlier endorsement of Roy Moore in the US Senate special election in Alabama. This statement followed numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against Moore. Farage admitted to not giving the situation enough consideration, acknowledging his endorsement as a mistake.
In July 2018, Nigel Farage's podcast "Farage Against The Machine" was cancelled after the band Rage Against the Machine issued a cease and desist letter demanding a name change. Farage's refusal to comply led to LBC cancelling the podcast.
Nigel Farage headlined a fundraiser event for Lou Barletta, the Republican nominee in the 2018 US Senate election in Pennsylvania, in July 2018.
Nigel Farage stepped down from UKIP in December 2018.
In 2018, Nigel Farage publicly criticized Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for allegedly defending Iran's "hardline Islamist regime." Farage's stance on Iran shifted from his earlier opposition to intervention, as he declared regime change "absolutely the right thing."
In February 2019, Nigel Farage joined the Brexit Party and signaled his intention to run as a candidate in the upcoming European Parliament elections if Brexit were to be delayed. He later became the leader of the party.
During his LBC show in March 2019, Nigel Farage suggested that Channel 4 journalist Jon Snow "should be attacked" for his coverage of a pro-Brexit protest. While Ofcom reviewed the comments, they ultimately decided that Farage didn't violate broadcasting rules as he clarified he meant a verbal attack.
In May 2019, a report emerged detailing Nigel Farage's undeclared travel and accommodation expenses between 2016 and 2017, allegedly funded by Arron Banks. This led to an official investigation, with Farage maintaining that the expenses were of a personal nature and unrelated to his political activities.
Nigel Farage was targeted in a public incident where a Brexit opponent threw a milkshake at him in Newcastle upon Tyne. The assailant was arrested, and the event sparked debate about political discourse and public protest.
The Brexit Party, led by Nigel Farage, won the most votes in the May 2019 European elections.
In June 2019, former US President Donald Trump suggested that Nigel Farage should be involved in the UK government's Brexit negotiations, citing his understanding of the issues at hand.
In September 2019, Nigel Farage proposed an electoral pact between the Brexit Party and the Conservative Party, aiming to solidify support for Brexit and maximize their chances of success in upcoming elections.
On the day the UK was originally scheduled to leave the European Union in October 2019, Nigel Farage interviewed US President Donald Trump on his LBC show. During the interview, Trump offered critiques of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit deal.
After the Brexit Party, led by Nigel Farage, failed to secure any seats in the 2019 UK general election, Farage revealed his plans to relocate from the UK. He intended to contribute to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign by serving as a warm-up speaker at campaign rallies.
In 2019, Nigel Farage faced criticism for defending Brexit Party candidate Ann Widdecombe's remarks that were perceived as supportive of gay conversion therapy. Widdecombe's suggestion that science might one day "produce an answer" to homosexuality drew condemnation, but Farage defended her right to express her views as a "matter of conscience."
In 2019, Nigel Farage sparked controversy by calling financier George Soros "the biggest danger to the entire western world" and alleging Soros seeks "to undermine democracy and to fundamentally change the makeup, demographically, of the whole European continent". The Jewish Community Security Trust criticized Farage's remarks, expressing concern that they could contribute to the spread of antisemitic conspiracy theories.
In 2019, The Brexit Party, led by Nigel Farage, secured a significant victory in the European Parliament election, winning the largest share of the vote and gaining 29 seats.
In January 2020, Leave Means Leave, a pro-Brexit group, held a celebratory event in Parliament Square to mark the UK's official departure from the EU. Nigel Farage addressed the crowd, emphasizing the significance of the occasion as a point of no return.
In February 2020, Liberty University, presented by Jerry Falwell Jr., bestowed an honorary doctorate of laws degree upon Nigel Farage. The university recognized his impactful role in Brexit and his advocacy for freedom in Europe and the United States.
In June 2020, LBC announced that Nigel Farage would be leaving his radio show "with immediate effect," citing the end of his contract. This departure marked a significant change in Farage's media presence.
In June 2020, despite a travel ban imposed by the United States, Nigel Farage was granted entry into the country. US officials cited "national interest" as the basis for this exemption. This occurred as then-President Donald Trump geared up for his first major election campaign rally following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Farage was subsequently seen attending this rally and participated in a panel discussion as part of the "Team Trump on Tour" series. His presence extended to rallies held in various states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania.
In November 2020, Nigel Farage announced the rebranding of the Brexit Party as Reform UK, signaling a shift in focus towards opposing COVID-19 lockdowns and government restrictions.
In December 2020, Nigel Farage expressed his approval of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, describing it as a victory for the Brexit movement and a sign that the "war is over."
In 2020, Nigel Farage launched "Fortune and Freedom," a financial newsletter offering investment advice and commentary on economic matters.
Nigel Farage stopped hosting "The Nigel Farage Show" in 2020.
The United Kingdom exited from the European Union in 2020.
Nigel Farage announced his retirement from active politics in March 2021, stepping down as leader of Reform UK and assuming the role of honorary president. He cited a desire to pursue other interests.
Nigel Farage was appointed to the advisory board of Dutch Green Business, a commercial venture focused on sustainable business practices, in March 2021.
Nigel Farage joined the British news channel GB News in June 2021 to host a Sunday morning political discussion show titled "The Political Correction". This marked his return to a prominent media role after leaving LBC.
In July 2021, Nigel Farage expanded his role at GB News by announcing he would host a new Monday to Thursday evening show called "Farage". This solidified his presence on the news channel.
Nigel Farage sparked controversy by criticizing the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), accusing them of acting as a "taxi service" for illegal immigrants. His remarks drew a significant backlash, with many defending the RNLI's humanitarian work.
In November 2021, Nigel Farage hinted at a potential return to frontline politics, citing concerns about immigration and what he perceived as inadequate government action on the issue of migrant crossings in the English Channel.
Nigel Farage resigned as leader of Reform UK in 2021.
Nigel Farage undertook a six-week tour across the United States in 2021. This tour, organized by the conservative group FreedomWorks and titled "America's Comeback Tour," saw Farage addressing Republican audiences throughout the country.
In February 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Nigel Farage sparked controversy by attributing the conflict to the expansion of NATO and the European Union. He argued that these organizations had provoked Russia by attempting to "poke the Russian bear with a stick." His stance drew criticism for appearing to downplay Russian aggression and shift blame onto the West.
On February 24, 2022, as Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, Nigel Farage offered his analysis of the situation. He attributed the conflict to the expansion of the European Union and NATO, asserting that this expansion had culminated in the events of 2014. Farage reiterated his stance against provoking Russia, emphasizing the negative consequences of such actions and describing the situation as a dark period for Europe.
In September 2022, Nigel Farage ventured into the beverage industry by launching his own brand of gin, produced in Cornwall, England.
In April 2023, reports emerged indicating Nigel Farage's positive view of Ron DeSantis, a prominent figure within the US Republican Party. According to an ally of Farage, he held a high opinion of DeSantis, particularly commending his performance as the governor of Florida.
In May 2023, Nigel Farage made headlines by stating that he believed Brexit had been a failure, attributing this to what he saw as inadequate policies implemented by successive Conservative governments.
In June 2023, Nigel Farage was recognized for his presenting skills with the Best Presenter award at the annual TRIC Awards.
Nigel Farage reported in June 2023 that his UK bank accounts had been closed against his wishes, and he encountered obstacles in opening new ones. He attributed this to political persecution from "the establishment" aimed at forcing him to leave the country, sparking controversy and debate about freedom of speech and the power of financial institutions.
In July 2023, The Daily Telegraph revealed that Dame Alison Rose, NatWest Group's CEO, had dined with a BBC journalist prior to the publication of an inaccurate report about Farage's account closure. This revelation led to calls for Rose's resignation. Rose apologized for "deeply inappropriate" comments made about Farage's banking relationship, stating they didn't reflect the bank's stance. Subsequently, Rose resigned following revelations about leaking information about Farage. Farage demanded the resignation of the entire NatWest board. However, the FCA found no evidence of politicians being 'debanked' for their political views.
In July 2023, in the wake of the controversy surrounding Nigel Farage's bank account closures, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt publicly voiced his concerns about individuals being denied financial services based on their exercise of "lawful free speech".
In July 2023, the BBC initially reported that Nigel Farage's Coutts account was closed due to not meeting the minimum balance. However, the BBC later issued a correction, acknowledging the inaccuracy of their initial report. Farage had publicly challenged the bank's decision, presenting evidence suggesting the closure was linked to his political views, despite meeting commercial criteria.
In September 2023, Nigel Farage was recognized as the "most influential person on the British right" by the New Statesman's Right Power List.
In a surprising turn of events, it was announced in November 2023 that Nigel Farage would be a contestant on the twenty-third series of the UK reality TV show "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!". Reports indicated a significant fee offered by ITV, potentially making Farage the highest-paid contestant in the show's history.
In 2023, Nigel Farage competed in the twenty-third series of "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!", finishing in third place.
In 2023, it was revealed that Nigel Farage had been in a relationship with French politician Laure Ferrari for several years.
In February 2024, Nigel Farage expressed his openness to rejoining the Conservative Party after the upcoming General Election, marking a potential shift after over three decades since his departure.
Nigel Farage made a public announcement in May 2024 stating his intention to forgo participation in the upcoming UK General Election. He indicated his preference to shift his focus towards campaigning efforts related to the 2024 United States presidential election.
In June 2024, Nigel Farage became the leader of Reform UK.
June 2024 marked Nigel Farage's return to the political forefront, assuming leadership of Reform UK and announcing his candidacy for Clacton in the 2024 general election. He pledged a five-year commitment to leading the party. This period also saw an assault on Farage during his campaign in Clacton, where a woman threw a McDonald's banana milkshake at him. The woman, later identified as a 25-year-old OnlyFans model, was arrested and charged with assault.
Ron DeSantis challenged Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries.