Nigel Farage has silenced speculation about whether he will stand as a candidate in the general election.
The Reform UK founder and honorary president revealed earlier this year he was undecided whether he would take his eighth punt at trying to become an MP.
The staunch Brexiteer - who grew up in Downe, near Bromley - played a key role in campaigning for the UK to leave the European Union and was heavily linked with the Clacton seat in Essex.
But after standing as a UKIP member of the European Parliament for southeast England between 1999 and 2020, and unsuccessfully contesting the South Thanet seat in the 2005 and 2015 general elections, it was rumoured he might have another crack in Kent.
And this was further fuelled by the ex-Brexit Party leader snapping up a four-bed property in Lydd-on-Sea.
But will he be standing at the snap general election on July 4 after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement yesterday? The short answer: No.
Posting on X this morning, the 60-year-old says he will instead dedicate his time to this year’s US presidential election to help pal Donald Trump be elected to the White House a second time.
“I have thought long and hard as to whether I should stand in the upcoming general election,” he writes.
“As an honorary president of Reform UK, I am fully supportive of Richard Tice’s leadership and urge voters to put their trust in him and Lee Anderson.
“I will do my bit to help in the campaign, but it is not the right time for me to go any further than that.
“Important though the general election is, the contest in the USA on November 5 has huge global significance. A strong America as a close ally is vital for our peace and security.
“I intend to help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way I can.
“The choice between Labour and the Conservatives is uninspiring, and only Reform has the radical agenda needed to end the decline in this country.”
When asked by KentOnline back in January whether he would stand again, he has not yet made his mind up.
"I am fully behind Richard [Tice] and what he's doing, but as to what role I might play, I am very much undecided,” he previously said.
“Life is pretty good – I'm enjoying doing GB News. I had fun in the jungle [I’m a Celeb] and I am still fighting the banks. So I have got a lot on my plate.”
Mr Farage added: “Last year was great for me, so I am perfectly happy.
“Do I want to throw myself back Into frontline politics? That is a big decision and I am wholly undecided.”
