Nigel Farage's personal life has been thrust into the spotlight after the Reform UK leader discussed his daughter during a televised statement today, triggering a by-election in his Essex seat. He claimed the media has been “haranguing” his family, specifically citing The Times for publishing a picture of where his daughter lives. “There is no public interest in my daughter whatsoever,” he said, adding that he has always protected his family's privacy.
Farage's Romantic History
Farage has a history of keeping his love life private, especially since separating from his second wife, Kirsten Mehr, before 2017. His first marriage was to Irish nurse Gráinne Hayes, whom he met after being run over by a car in 1985. They married in 1988 and had two sons, Sam and Tom, before divorcing in 1997.
In 1999, Farage married Kirsten Mehr, a German government bond broker he met in Frankfurt. They had two daughters, Victoria and Isabelle. Mehr gave up her job to work as Farage's PA, but the marriage reportedly suffered due to his political career. The couple separated, with Farage stating in a radio interview, “I think separated is my legal status.”
Affair with Aide Annabelle Fuller
From 2004 to 2016, Farage had an extramarital affair with his speechwriter Annabelle Fuller, who was 17 years his junior. Fuller revealed the affair in 2017, claiming it led to depression and self-harm. She said the affair was an open secret in Westminster.
Relationship with Laure Ferrari
Farage's current partner is Laure Ferrari, a French politician 15 years his junior. They met in 2007 when she was a waitress in Strasbourg. Ferrari became his parliamentary assistant and moved into his London home as a “lodger.” Their relationship was confirmed in 2023 when Ferrari met Farage after his stint on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.
Ferrari and Fuller reportedly clashed, with Ferrari sending an email in 2012 calling British women “drunken tarts.” Farage has remained coy about his love life, but Ferrari has been seen at public events with him, including the Reform UK party conference in 2025.
Impact on His Political Career
Farage's personal life has intersected with his political career, from the by-election triggered by media coverage of his daughter to questions about his relationship with Ferrari. Despite efforts to keep his private life private, it continues to draw public attention.
