The political establishment's attempt to bring down Nigel Farage has only strengthened public support for Reform UK, according to commentator Carole Malone. Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats have spent the week declaring Farage a busted flush after he triggered a by-election in Clacton, but the public remains firmly behind him.
Public Unmoved by Establishment Attacks
Malone argues that voters do not care about Farage's personal wealth or background; they want a political revolution in Westminster and still believe Farage is the man to lead it. The public is not buying the excuses from other parties that their determination to oust Farage is for the country's good.
For weeks, parties have questioned Farage's fitness to be Clacton's MP over his financial affairs, particularly a £5 million gift from a crypto billionaire. Farage responded by resigning his seat and offering to stand again, letting Clacton voters decide.
Rivals Refuse to Contest By-Election
Despite the demand for Farage's resignation, all major party leaders have refused to stand against him in the by-election, claiming it is a stunt. Malone asserts this is because they fear being defeated. Even Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, whom Malone had begun to respect, called it a fake election and declined to run.
Farage won 45% of the vote in the last by-election, smashing the Tories' majority of 26,000. Malone suggests Badenoch knows her party would lose even more votes this time. The other parties pretend their refusal is about not playing Farage's game, but the public sees through it.
Hypocrisy of Ed Davey and the Lib Dems
Malone singles out Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who tweets and rants about Farage daily and accused him of a stunt. She contrasts this with Davey's own history of attention-seeking stunts like bungee jumping and paddleboarding, calling him the king of stupid stunts.
She argues that no Labour, Tory, or Lib Dem MP has the guts to do what Farage did in Clacton because they know they would be kicked out.
Financial Questions and Security Concerns
Malone acknowledges that genuine questions about Farage's finances are being investigated. Farage has said the £5 million donation was for security, as he has been attacked more than most MPs and has to pay for his own protection. He and his family are under constant threat, and he fears acid attacks—a threat comedian Jo Brand once joked about.
This week, Farage lost his temper when Sky News appeared outside his daughter's home, which Malone calls harassment pure and simple.
Membership Surges Despite Attacks
While the establishment tells the public Farage is finished, Reform UK membership has surged again. Malone concludes that the British people do not like witch hunts or politicians ganging up against someone who shares their goals.
