A recent poll conducted by Conservative Home has unveiled a significant shift in sentiment among party members regarding former UKIP leader Nigel Farage.
Nearly a decade ago, Conservative Home polled its Members’ Panel about a potential Conservative-UKIP pact, with between a third and two-fifths supporting the idea.
However, in the latest survey, an overwhelming seven out of ten panel members expressed the belief that Nigel Farage should be admitted to the Conservative Party if he were to seek membership.
Last month, former MEP Mr. Farage unequivocally ruled out the possibility of rejoining the Conservative Party, dispelling recent speculations about his potential return.
Speaking at the Reform UK party conference in London, Mr. Farage reaffirmed his dedication to Reform UK, stating, “My efforts and my work will be solidly behind Richard Tice and Reform UK, no doubt about that.”
Mr. Farage’s rejection came despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s openness to the idea of the prominent Brexit campaigner rejoining the Conservative Party.
‘The Answer Is No’
Mr. Sunak also said he would welcome individuals who shared the party’s ideals and values. However, Mr. Farage told the crowd at the Reform conference the week after: “It’s very sweet of you prime minister, but the answer is no. I will not [rejoin].”During a book launch event in Westminster in October, Mr. Farage made a seemingly playful comment about the Conservative Party leadership. He quipped, “I’d be very surprised if I were not Conservative leader by ‘26. Very surprised,” before emphasising, “They think I’m joking. I’m serious.”
While initially appearing light-hearted, Mr Farage’s remark generated speculation and intrigue among political circles at the time. However, in a subsequent attempt to clarify his statement, he asserted that his words were meant “in jest.”
Speaking to The Epoch Times, chairman of the Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO) David Cambell Bannerman said: “Nigel would be welcomed warmly back to the Tory fold and I would be delighted to see him back personally.
“He has never stopped being a Conservative; despite leaving Beckenham Conservatives over Maastricht in 1993.”
A potential return for Mr. Farage to the Conservative Party has stirred diverse opinions within Tory circles. While some view the move as potentially helpful, others see it as a possible shift in political dynamics.
Tories Must Focus on ‘Electioneering’
Speaking to The Epoch Times via text, he stated: “The Party needs to focus on electioneering and on responding to the wishes of the wider electorate.“With Labour torn between its Left Wing, politically correct leadership, and its ultra-extremist, loony Left, crypto-Marxist dissidents, it is simply not a party fit for government and the Lib Dems are, if anything, even less fit, with their utterly unworkable ideas and ‘woke’ dominated ideology.”
Mr. Bogle stressed the importance of supporting the current Party leadership in preparation for the upcoming General Election and focusing on the Party’s goal of maintaining stability in government.
“In the meantime, if any ex-Party members would like to re-join, I am sure they would be welcomed,” he added.
Edgar Miller, founder of the Centre for Brexit Policy, expressed interest about Mr. Farage’s potential return, considering him a charismatic figure capable of winning votes.
However, Mr. Miller was not optimistic it would actually come to pass and pointed out that “Farage has always been a single-issue politician with an apparent lack of interest in general policy issues.”
Speaking to The Epoch Times via text, he continued: “That, coupled with his not being flavour of the month with some Tory politicians, could create barriers for him.”
“But, if Rishi Sunak fails to deliver the goods, who knows what might happen.”
