Nigel Farage, the pro-Brexit campaigner and serial spoiler of British politics, announced on Monday plans to run as a candidate in next month’s British general election, raising the prospect of the country’s embattled Prime Minister Rishi Sunak brought new setbacks.
Farage, who represents the far-right insurgent movement, made a surprise announcement that he could steal votes from Britain’s ruling Conservative Party, upending the campaign. Doing so could make it harder for Sunak and his party to close the double-digit polling gap with the opposition Labor Party.
Divisive, charismatic and known for his communication skills, Mr Farage was one of the architects of Brexit, which was overwhelmingly supported by Britons in the 2016 referendum. Some analysts believe his earlier decision not to stand in the election undermined momentum for Reform Britain, the successor to the Brexit party he once led.
Mr Farage said last month he would not seek a parliamentary seat because he wanted to prioritize supporting Donald J. Trump’s campaign in the United States. He campaigned.
But Farage reversed his earlier decision on Monday and said he would take over as leader of the Reform Party and run for a seat in parliament.
“I’ve changed my mind – that’s for you to know,” he said. “I will stand in this election,” adding that he would campaign in Clacton-on-Sea, a seaside area with strong support for Brexit.
The news comes on the eve of one of the biggest events of the British election so far: a televised debate between Sunak and opposition Labor Party leader Keir Starmer.
Mr Sunak is already under intense pressure with his Conservative Party trailing badly in the opinion polls and a surprise start to the general election.
Mr Farage’s change of heart could worsen the prime minister’s prospects, as analysts believe Reform Britain could cost the Conservatives a significant number of votes.
