LONDON (AP) — Nigel Farage says the political establishment is out to stop him. But the Reform UK leader’s attempt to prove it has not gone to plan.Facing awkward questions about his finances, the anti-immigration politician dramatically announced that he’s quitting Parliament in order to run again, a move critics denounced as a ploy to dodge a parliamentary probe. Farage said the special election will be “people versus the establishment.” His opponents aren’t playing ball. All the major political parties say they will not field candidates against Farage, leaving him to run all but unopposed. The gambit could backfire further if an investigation into his finances continues and creates a scenario requiring a second special election.Here’s what to know about a dramatic development in British politics and what comes next.
Farage is a skilled political provocateurFarage only became a British lawmaker two years ago, winning election to Parliament after seven failed attempts and has led a series of hard-right political parties. But he is arguably one of the most influential politicians of recent decades.His obsession with taking the United Kingdom out of the European Union helped turn Brexit from a fringe cause to a reality. More recently, he has tapped into anxieties about immigration and social change in a way that echoes his ally, U.S. President Donald Trump, and European populists.Farage has capitalized on — critics say stoked — concerns about migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats, which he has called an invasion, and alleges that white people face discrimination from police.
