Nigel Farage’s Reception at the Conservative Conference

Nigel Farage, a prominent figure in British politics, recently made headlines as he received a warm welcome from many Conservatives in Manchester. This reception has left some wondering whether he might consider rejoining the party after decades of campaigning against it. Let’s delve into the details of this intriguing development.

On Sunday night, Nigel Farage, the former leader of UKIP and the Brexit Party, was greeted with cheers and applause at a gala dinner attended by grassroots Conservatives. Priti Patel, a key member of the Conservative Party, praised Farage’s role in delivering Brexit and helping Boris Johnson secure victory in the 2019 general election by persuading Brexit Party candidates to step down. This recognition of his contributions to the Conservative cause was a significant moment.

Following this reception, Farage received an enthusiastic welcome from right-wing Tories at Liz Truss’s conference fringe event on Monday. Videos of him enjoying the company of Priti Patel later that night quickly went viral on social media platforms.

The fervor surrounding Farage at this year’s conference was not lost on Tory commentator Tim Montgomerie, who suggested that party members might choose him as their leader if given the chance. Farage himself expressed his astonishment at the reception, interpreting it as a sign that Tory activists are eager for fresh ideas and a reason to believe in something.

This year’s Conservative Conference marked Nigel Farage’s return to the event, having last attended in 1988. During his time as a leading figure in UKIP, he was effectively barred from participating in Conservative gatherings, although he sometimes made unofficial appearances. One memorable instance involved him driving an armored personnel carrier to the security gates in Manchester, symbolically “parking his tanks on the Tories’ lawn.”

Nigel Farage’s history with the Conservative Party is complex. He tore up his Tory membership card in the early 1990s to protest then-leader John Major’s signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which contributed to the formation of the European Union. Subsequently, he became a founding member of what would eventually become UKIP. After stepping back from frontline politics following the 2019 election, he transitioned into a role as a presenter on GB News, which granted him access to the Conservative Conference as a journalist.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a friend of Farage, conveyed the belief that Farage has always been a Conservative at heart and suggested that the party should welcome him back with open arms. However, not everyone in the Conservative Party shares this sentiment. Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands expressed his reservations, emphasizing Farage’s long history of campaigning against the Tories. Rishi Sunak, when asked about Farage’s potential return, emphasized the party’s broad appeal and values.

In response to these discussions, Farage stated that he could not join a party that had increased tax rates to the highest levels in over 70 years, allowed high levels of net migration, and failed to use Brexit as an opportunity for deregulation to aid small businesses. He hinted that a future realignment might make him consider joining the Conservative Party.

However, one of Farage’s long-term allies remained skeptical about the possibility of his return to the Tory fold, citing past treatment and suggesting that Farage might simply be enjoying the attention and controversy generated by these discussions.

In conclusion, Nigel Farage’s reception at the Conservative Conference has generated considerable buzz and debate. Whether he will consider rejoining the Conservative Party or continue to maintain his distance remains uncertain, but his presence has undeniably stirred up the political landscape in the UK.