Nigel Farage to Lead Reform UK in Clacton Constituency, Vows Political Revolt

The announcement of Nigel Farage as the new leader of the Reform UK party in the Clacton constituency signals a shift in his previous decision not to contest in the upcoming general election. Farage plans to focus on criticising the government's policies, especially on immigration, in a bid to lead a 'political revolt'.

Nigel Farage has announced his candidacy for the Reform UK party in the Clacton constituency and has been named the party's new leader. This decision marks a reversal from his previous stance in July, where he stated he would not contest in the upcoming general election.

Clacton, located in Essex, has a notable history with Farage's former parties, electing a UKIP MP in 2014. Currently, the seat is held by a Conservative majority of 24,702. Farage aims to lead a "political revolt," focusing on criticizing the current government and its policies, especially on immigration.

Recent polls indicate a potential significant loss for the Conservatives, with one YouGov poll projecting Labour to win 422 seats and the Conservatives 140. Another More in Common poll predicts Labour winning 382 seats to the Conservative's 180. Both polls were conducted before Farage's announcement.

Farage's campaign will emphasize reducing unskilled immigration and restructuring Reform UK's asylum policy. The party plans to contest 630 seats across the UK, with no election agreements with other parties.

Current Clacton MP Giles Watling, a Conservative, has criticized Farage's motives, suggesting they are driven by vanity. Other candidates in Clacton include Labour's Jovan Owusu-Nepaul, Liberal Democrat Matthew Bensilum, and Green Party's Natasha Osben. The full list of candidates will be finalized after nominations close.