‘Nigel Farage MUST change course and stand at the General Election,’ writes Keith Bays

Farage has stated several times that he is not interested in standing in this election, feeling that six weeks is too little time to prepare.

Instead, he plans to campaign for Reform UK before heading out to the US to help campaign with President Donald J. Trump.

I have known Nigel for two and a half years, having first interviewed him in Sunderland before joining GB News.

I had the pleasure of working on Team Farage before joining The Camilla Tominey Show. Knowing Nigel as I do, I strongly urge him to change course and seize the moment. Nigel, your country needs you.

British politics now, more than ever, needs a People’s Champion, someone to stand up for the little guy.

If Nigel does not step up, it would be a mistake akin to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision not to fight for his Uxbridge & South Ruislip seat - a seat he likely would have won on the issue of Ulez, as proven by businessman Steve Tuckwell, who won it for the Conservatives.

Had Johnson stood and retained his seat he would have been in the position to intervene months ago amidst dire polling for the Conservatives, he could have challenged Sunak for the leadership and emulated Winston Churchill someone he admires greatly by becoming a two-time Prime Minister but he failed to seize the moment, I would encourage Nigel to go for it and I would back him to do well.

They often say that if you don't buy a ticket, you can’t win the raffle. For Nigel to influence and shape British politics as needed, having a seat in the House of Commons would be hugely advantageous. I can imagine Farage holding Starmer and his administration accountable every week, making the Labour leader squirm at PMQs would be important and great fun.

The position taken by Labour on major issues such as immigration does not fill me with confidence. Labour’s plan for tackling the people smugglers does not suggest a comprehensive plan will be implemented after the election.

If you think the numbers are bad now for small boat crossings, they could get far worse if Labour wins power. Having Farage in Parliament gives those of us deeply concerned with this issue a fighting chance.

Having this platform would allow a People’s Champion like Nigel to hold the Labour Party’s feet to the fire, while the Conservative Party figures out how to be an effective opposition. A Labour Party with a large majority must be kept in check, and I can think of no other politician more up to the task than Nigel Farage.

I urge you, Nigel, take up the mantle, stand, and fight for a seat in this election.