Newly-crowned Reform UK leader Nigel Farage will kick off his general election campaign in Clacton on Tuesday, as he begins his eighth bid to become an MP.
In a blow to Rishi Sunak, the former Ukip leader announced on Monday that he would stand in the Essex constituency, and declared himself Reform’s new leader, a post he said he intends to hold for five years.
The staunchly Brexit-backing constituency is believed to be hold favourable odds for Mr Farage – but it will be his party’s impact on the national picture that is of most concern to the Conservatives.
Writing for The Times in the wake of YouGov’s major poll suggesting Labour is on course to win the largest majority in 100 years, polling guru Sir John Curtice noted that Reform’s decision to contest Tory seats was “but one reason” why YouGov’s estimate that the Tories could find themselves with just 140 seats is credible.
This was “even though it implies that the party could lose as many as 60 more seats than would be the case if its support were to fall by the same amount everywhere”, Sir John said.
Tories unveil immigration pledge within hours of Farage announcement
Nigel Farage’s announcement came on a day when two major polls suggested that the Tories were already heading for a historically bad defeat. A YouGov MRP poll of 12,000 people predicted Labour will have its biggest ever majority, of 194, with the Tories marooned on 140 seats.
Within hours of the revelation, Tory MPs and candidates were being asked to attend a briefing on an “immigration lock” pledge which means a Conservative government would set a legal limit on annual immigration figures.
The move was being seen as a bid to stop Reform UK and Mr Farage splitting the vote on the right.
Here are more details on the policy:
Andy Gregory3 June 2024 23:19
Tories face ‘existential risk’ as Farage declares he will stand as a candidate for Reform UK
Nigel Farage has electrified the general election campaign, taking over as leader of Reform UK and launching a bid to become an MP.
My colleagues Archie Mitchell and David Maddox have the full report:
Andy Gregory3 June 2024 23:18
Good morning, we’ll be using this blog to provide you with live updates on Nigel Farage’s general election campaign launch in Clacton, where he is seeking for the eighth time to finally enter parliament as an MP.
Andy Gregory3 June 2024 23:16