Nigel Farage has made a direct pitch to GB News viewers during his launch event in Clacton-on-Sea earlier today.
Farage, 60, spoke about why GB News viewers should vote for Reform UK after the Tories warned support for the populist party could result in the UK rejoining the EU.
The Tories have also been claiming that a vote for Reform could hit pensioners and lead to tax hikes by letting Labour in through the back door.
When asked about GB News viewers potentially being concerned about rising support for Reform UK aiding Labour and risking Brexit, Farage claimed he poses a significant electoral threat to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Nigel Farage’s makes direct pitch to GB News viewers as Tories warn Reform risk BrexitPAHe said: “There is going to be a stonking Labour majority anyway.
“And I tell you something, if I was leading a party that was surging in the polls, had millions of votes and representation in Parliament, then that might make Mr Starmer think twice.
“After all, Brexit wrecked the Labour Party. And I was telling all you guys 10 years ago, we got more Labour votes than Tory votes.
“So, no, the way of stopping Starmer going further back into the EU is a strong Reform voice in the House of Commons.”
When asked if he would front up a campaign to keep Britain out, Farage added: “I’ve been campaigning all my life.”
The Conservative Party has been pushing out negative messaging about Farage’s candidacy since he announced he would stand in Clacton yesterday.
A Tory spokesperson said: “Nigel Farage risks handing Keir Starmer a blank cheque to rejoin the EU, impose the Retirement Tax on pensioners and hike taxes on hardworking Brits up and down the UK.
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Crowds listen as Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage launches his General Election campaign in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
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“Farage knows that Reform won’t win any seats, but he doesn’t seem to care that a vote for Reform only helps Labour. He’s doing exactly what Keir Starmer wants him to do.
“Just yesterday, EU insiders openly voiced their expectation that Starmer would seek a softer Brexit deal, opening the door to rejoining the EU all together.
“That would mean uncontrolled immigration and betraying the will of the British people.
“Is Farage really willing to risk undoing his life’s work by handing Starmer a blank cheque to rejoin the EU.
“Only a vote for Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives can deliver a clear plan, bold action and a secure future for our country.”
A poll of GB News viewers suggested Farage’s pitch could attract a significant number of voters.
Pollsters at JL Partners found Labour opened up a 21-point lead over the Tories at 46 per cent, with Sunak dropping to just 25 per cent.
A January 2024 poll found that if Farage stood for Reform they would win the seat in ClactonPAReform UK’s support among GB News viewers is slightly above the national average at 18 per cent.
However, there is an expectation that Reform UK could witness a bounce after Farage’s announcement.
The 60-year-old, who suffered defeat in his previous seven parliamentary contests, revealed GB News was part of the reason he agonised about standing in Clacton.
Speaking in London yesterday, Farage said: "To be honest, I've been reluctant because I've actually rather enjoyed life at GB News. It's been a great job - best job I've ever had."
He added: "I've loved being at GB News, and doing a show four nights a week and doing extra stuff, travelling around the country and all of those things. So giving that up is not an easy thing."
Farage was swamped by supporters in the Essex seaside constituency today.
Farage braces to be hit by milkshake GETTYDelivering a speech by the iconic Clacton Pier, Farage said: “I will stand up and fight for you, I will give you my best and I will do what I have done for the last quarter of a century in politics, I will be unafraid, despite what everybody says, despite what names they call me, they are so stupid it only encourages me really, in fact, send me to Parliament to be a bloody nuisance.”
Most members of the audience were cheering as Farage took to the podium.
However, a group of three protesters held up a banner which said: “Farage not welcome here.”
A woman also chucked a milkshake over the Reform UK leader as he left Clacton’s Wetherspoons.
Eyewitness Jo Sullivan told GB News: “As Nigel came down the steps, she threw a drink in his face and ran off. It hit him right in the face. It could have had something harmful in it and it’s disgusting.”
Fellow bystander Lee Hellier added: “People have the right to protest but that’s disgusting.”
Farage will need to overturn Conservative MP Giles Watling's stonking 24,702 majority to enter the House of Commons.
Jovan Owusu-Nepaul is standing as Labour's candidate, with Matthew Bensilum and Natasha Osben representing the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party respectively.
