Nigel Farage rules out 'premature' fourth stint as Ukip leader
2 min read
Nigel Farage has said he will not be in the running to be the next leader of Ukip, calling the idea of a return “premature”.
The MEP said while the party could be “more relevant than ever” in two years’ time, “serious reforms” are needed to prevent the movement descending in to an “amateur shambles”.
“While many have been lobbying me and urging me to come back, I have decided that this would not be the right thing to do and I will not be standing,” he wrote in an article for the Telegraph.
“While I remain a strong supporter of the party and think there is a real chance in two years that Ukip may be more relevant than ever, the party itself needs serious reforms.”
Mr Farage had faced calls to contest the position for the fourth time after Paul Nuttall resigned from the post following June’s calamitous election result – which saw the party win no seats at Westminster while its share of the vote plummeted.
The eurosceptic stalwart added that he was “not prepared to contemplate” having to deal with the party’s “frustrating” governing body, which he said would leave him in a job he was “unable to do”.
“Most of those elected are enthusiastic volunteers, are all unpaid and all care about the cause. But few have any idea about campaigning, media or raising money.
“As Ukip grew from a tiny party to winning the European elections of 2014, I found myself increasingly frustrated with this governing body.
“Time and again I was outvoted on important decisions and could not take the party in the direction I wanted.
“The thought of going back to a job I may not be allowed to do, if, again, I’m held back by totally unqualified people is not something I’m prepared to contemplate.
“I hope the new leader takes on the battle for major constitutional change or the party will return to being an amateur shambles.”
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