Simon Jenkins, writing in the Guardian, argues that Nigel Farage should quit politics for good, as his byelection stunt in Clacton shows he is rattled by a perilous position. Jenkins recalls Farage's 2016 promise to disappear after Brexit, and contends that his future is behind him.
Farage's Promise After Brexit
Jenkins notes that Farage told him before the 2016 referendum that if leave won, he would "go back to the pub and you will not hear from me again." Jenkins believed him at the time, but Farage has since remained in politics, now leading Reform UK and running in the Clacton byelection.
Scandal and Money Issues
Farage faces serious allegations of breaking rules, including receiving a £5m donation from Christopher Harborne and substantial contributions from George Cottrell. Jenkins warns that money is a dangerous toxin in politics, and these transactions are an accident waiting to happen.
Wildcards in British Politics
Jenkins compares Farage to past wildcards like Enoch Powell, George Galloway, and Caroline Lucas, who shook up politics but failed to break the two-party system. Reform UK has already fractured, with Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain outgunning it on immigration.
Jenkins concludes that Farage's legacy should be a serious inquiry into constitutional reform, as the weirdness of current politics cannot continue. He doubts Reform will disappear overnight, but Farage's final fling should be his last.
