Less than 24 hours after becoming Reform UK leader and announcing his candidacy for Clacton, Nigel Farage visited the Essex seaside town on Tuesday. The event, which began with a pint at the local Wetherspoon's, ended with a milkshake thrown at him as he left. The mixed reactions from voters mirrored the national divide over the politician.
Supporters praised Farage's charisma and bluntness. Yvonne Bailey, a Conservative member from Great Oakley, said he was 'talking our language' and had 'oomph' lacking in other politicians. Charlotte Williams, from Maldon, likened his honesty to a friend giving a frank opinion on an outfit. Many in the crowd were not local but had travelled to hear him.
Critics, however, described his rhetoric as 'vile'. Tracey Lewis, an NHS worker and Labour activist, said prejudice was rife in Clacton and that many attendees were outsiders creating a 'Brexit safe haven'. She noted the town has few immigrants. A couple holding a 'Farage Not Welcome Here' banner were heckled by a man in a St George's Day sweater.
Farage's speech touched on familiar themes: D-day, 'poisoned minds' of children, foreign workers undercutting wages, and Tory failures on immigration. He also declared that 'a woman can't have a penis', to cheers. Despite the enthusiasm of his supporters, his victory is not assured; Conservative MP Giles Watling held a 72% vote share and a 25,000 majority in 2019.
