The outgoing Prime Minister was upstaged by Nigel Farage – again
Nigel Farage delivers his statement (Image: Getty)
Nigel Farage has delivered a furious speech, including damning criticism of the media – which he said had been unfairly maligning him and harassing his family. But the Reform UK leader is a master of managing the media. He knows how to get attention. And his dramatic announcement that he will resign as an MP, forcing a by-election in his Clacton constituency, means the spotlight is firmly on him.
It is a final humiliation for Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, who is in Turkey for a NATO summit, his final big international event as Prime Minister. The PM is set to meet Donald Trump and discuss key issues including Ukraine, Iran and defence spending. But he has been upstaged by Nigel.
And Mr Farage has probably ensured that he remains near the top of the news agenda for the a few weeks to come.
When Andy Burnham enters Downing Street as the next Prime Minister, that will, of course, be the biggest story in politics. And Mr Burnham will then appoint his Cabinet, and provide more details about his initial plans.
There’s no competing with that. But Mr Farage has ensured that he, at least, gets a bit of attention too.
It’s a gamble, however.
His decision to quit as an MP and stand again, in protest at the way parts of the media have reported on his financial dealings, may draw more attention to the controversies.
And while many people will sympathise with Mr Farage, even some of those might wonder if this is the type of behaviour you want from a Prime Minister.
Is there really any point in resigning and forcing a by-election? It won’t change any of the things Mr Farage is complaining about, such as the way he is being treated by the media and the government’s apparent refusal to give him the security he needs.
One thing is for sure, however. He does need security. And it’s ridiculous and wrong that any politician is in fear for their life.
Whatever your political leanings, we should all be worried for the future of our democracy if some of our politicians are unable to make their arguments in public and let the voters – rather than mob rule – decide who’s right.
