Home Secretary James Cleverly has criticised Nigel Farage's "interesting" decision to stand in this year's General Election, as the new leader of Reform UK announced he had "changed his mind".
Following widespread criticism for prioritising "Trump's campaign in the US" over the UK election, Farage announced on Monday that he is now the leader of Reform, and will stand in the general election in the Essex constituency of Clacton.
Holding a press conference in London, Farage told reporters he will be "back for the next five years" and claimed to bring a "political revolt" to Westminster.
Discussing the announcement on GB News, Cleverly said it was "interesting" that Farage had suddenly changed his mind, despite being very active on the Reform campaign trail.
James Cleverly reacted to Nigel Farage's 'interesting' change of heart in standing for Reform UK
GB News
Cleverly told hosts Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster: "I think it wasn't that long ago where he was questioning whether he really wanted to spend every Friday listening to the people of Clacton, but he's put himself forward.
"That's fine. But it doesn't change the fact that a vote for Reform is exactly what Keir Starmer wants people to do, if they're not going to vote Labour."
Highlighting the "massive benefit" to Labour leader Keir Starmer's chances at election victory, Cleverly explained: "Keir Starmer knows that that is massively in his benefit.
"A Labour government, particularly one that has a large majority, of course, would look at taking us back into the European Union's sphere of influence, aligning ourselves with the European Union, opening our borders with free movement."
Nigel Farage announced he will now stand for Reform as leader of the party in this July's election
PA
Cleverly claimed that Labour's pledges are something the British people are "uncomfortable with", and those voting for Reform will "also be uncomfortable with".
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When asked by Isabel if Cleverly would be open to "working with Nigel Farage" or negotiating a "deal between Reform and the Conservatives", the Home Secretary avoided the question, claiming: "The choice at this election is between Keir Starmer ripping us off to the hard left, or Rishi Sunak with a plan to make the country better in these uncertain times. Those are choices that the public will have to make.
"My plan is to get Giles Watling elected. He's the Conservative candidate in Clacton."
Praising Watling, Cleverly added: "He has been a fantastic champion for the local area. And I'm going to be making sure that I support my good friend and colleague in getting re-elected."
When pressed again by Isabel on whether he would work with Farage, Cleverly affirmed: "The simple fact of the matter is this election is about a simple choice.
James Cleverly said Nigel Farage standing for Reform is 'exactly what Keir Starmer wants'
GB News
"It is a choice between Keir Starmer and a Labour Party which Angela Rayner is dragging to the left, and the only credible alternative is Rishi Sunak with a Conservative government that's committed to defending our nation.
"He's committed to defending our borders, committing to bringing down immigration - those are the two options."
Cleverly then warned Reform voters: "And I think people that are thinking about voting Reform should consider that when they go to the ballot box."