Nigel Farage has rejected the idea of rejoining the Conservative Party under Rishi Sunak, describing the government as a 'shambles'. The former Ukip leader, who recently finished third on ITV's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, did not rule out a return to politics but dismissed speculation he could become a Tory MP.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Farage said: 'Never say never. I can't predict right now what will happen.' However, he added: 'I am looking at a Conservative government that is in total shambles, facing tomorrow effectively a confidence vote on an issue that affects every single living human being in our country, namely immigration on a level that never happened even during Tony Blair's days. Rishi is a lame duck walking and the Conservative party are headed for total defeat.'
Reports over the weekend suggested some Tory MPs wanted Boris Johnson to return as party leader before the next election on a joint ticket with Farage to reverse the party's poll deficit. However, the idea faces practical hurdles as neither man holds a seat in the House of Commons.
Farage's allies say he is unlikely to stand as an MP at the next election, having failed on several occasions in the past. One told the Guardian: 'I think the chances of him standing for election is pretty much nil.' Farage himself said he would not make an immediate decision, telling GB News: 'Somehow to think that we're going to walk out of a jungle after 23 nights and announce a relaunch in British politics, frankly, is for the birds.'
