Reform deputy leader admits he was ‘entirely unaware’ of Nigel Farage’s election plans

The former UKIP leader told GB News last night he had “put in place some preparations to launch next week” and suggested the “sense of panic” surrounding Rishi Sunak's bombshell announcement was down to the Conservatives “finding out” about his plans.

But Ben Habib said on GB News this morning that Farage’s plans were not well publicised within his own party.

“That’s Nigel’s interpretation of it”, said Habib.

“The reality, is, Rishi Sunak realised this was probably a high point for him, even though this looks like a low point from most people’s normal standpoint.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Farage's decision will be 'HUGE blow' to Reform, claims commentator - 'Golden opportunity!'
• Labour does not take the Muslim vote for granted, says Jonathan Reynolds
• Rishi Sunak branded 'selfish' for calling General Election by Tory grassroots leader

“Inflation had come down, the economy wasn’t shrinking, he can duck the questions about whether flights for Rwanda are going to take off or not.

“The election is coming before this own self-imposed 10 to 12 week time frame expires.

“Reform UK was getting stronger every single day that he delayed the election, so I’m not sure how much Nigel Farage played into the Prime Minister’s mind.

“I think there are a whole host of other reasons which moved him to call an election now and I think from Rishi’s perspective, it was probably a good move.”

Asked by GB News’s Stephen Dixon whether he is admitting he “doesn’t believe” Nigel Farage, Habib responded: “I’m deputy leader of Reform UK, and I was entirely unaware of his plans to launch a campaign next week.”

Speaking to Tom Harwood on GB News yesterday, Farage said: “I have always said that there'll be a moment when I throw my hat in the ring fully into British politics.

“I’ve also said age 60, I've got one more card to play, and it's about when I play it.

“I had, to be honest with you, put in place some preparations to launch next week. I wonder whether the Conservative Party found out about it.

“I think the sense of panic that we saw yesterday; the badly prepared speech might perhaps have prompted it a little bit.”

Farage announced ahead of Reform UK’s election launch press conference yesterday that he would not be standing at the election.

The Reform UK honorary president insists he will remain “100 per cent” supportive of Richard Tice and his party’s bid to win seats.

“I’m utterly committed to Reform”, he told GB News.

“I believe their agenda is the only one that can actually stop the sense of national decline that we’re in.”