Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage has spoken out after claims he could join Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party to win a seat in the House of Commons.
Ahead of a trip to Northern Ireland, with Mr. Farage due to speak at DUP fundraiser in Ballymena, Arron Banks, the UKIP donor and co-founded the Leave.EU campaign, did not deny the pair are planning to join the DUP during an interview on Sky News on Friday.
He said: “That’s something you’ll have to ask Nigel. We’re attending a DUP fundraiser this evening and I’m not really able to comment on that.
“But I’m sure Nigel will have comments at the dinner. But I think he’s mainly focused on the Brexit border issues, and I’m sure he’s going to make his feelings known.”
What a great evening last night with my friends @ianpaisleymp and @eastantrimmp in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Fantastic audience! pic.twitter.com/4qFWo1vILS
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) May 12, 2018
However, Mr. Farage addressed the rumours on Twitter, writing: “I was elected as a UKIP MEP. I lead the EFDD group in [the European Parliament] and none of that is going to change!”
He added: “I will be remaining Ukip MEP. I have shared platforms with Labour MP Kate Hoey, Tory minister Liam Fox and other people like George Galloway.
“I am happy to support those who supported the Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum. My visit is nothing more than that.”
Ian Paisley Jr, DUP MP and supporter of the eurosceptic campaign Leave Means Leave, wrote on the social media platform:
“Looking forward to welcoming my great friend @Nigel_Farage to my North Antrim constituency tonight to talk about Brexit and Beyond.
“I notice the media fever over this already. I welcome many guests from many parties to North Antrim and Nigel will love the place and it’s people.”
A DUP spokesman added: “Nigel Farage will be the guest speaker at a local DUP event in County Antrim. Mr. Farage has already indicated this trip is not about joining the DUP.”
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