Nigel Farage has described Ben Habib’s departure from Reform UK as a “champagne moment” and “absolute icing on the cake” in a frank interview on GB News.
The Reform UK leader expressed his satisfaction at Habib’s decision to sever contact with the populist party.
Farage claimed that his ex-colleague had become increasingly critical, stating that Habib had “attacked me more in public than the Labour Party have”.
He explained that the tensions arose following post-election leadership changes within Reform UK.
Nigel Farage has launched a fresh attack on ‘bitter and twisted’ Ben Habib
PA / GB News
According to Farage, after Habib failed to secure election, changes were made to the deputy leadership structure.
“I said, Ben, David [Bull], I’m really sorry, but I want to make Richard Tice the deputy because he’s in the House of Commons,” Farage told GB News.
Farage expressed strong feelings about Habib’s subsequent behaviour following the leadership changes.
“He’s gone very bitter, very twisted. It’s very sad,” he claimed.
The Reform UK figure was unequivocal about his feelings regarding Habib’s departure from the party.
“The fact that he’s walked away, frankly, is a huge relief,” he stated.
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Nigel Farage said Habib’s departure was a ‘champagne moment’ for Reform UK
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In the same interview, Farage discussed the recent addition of Dame Andrea Jenkyns to Reform UK.
He revealed that Jenkyns would stand as the populist party’s candidate for the newly created position of Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire.
“Andrea has been a very loyal Tory MP,” Farage said, noting her previous support for Robert Jenrick’s leadership campaign.
He explained that Jenkyns had hoped Jenrick would win due to his stance on leaving the ECHR and reducing net migration.
However, following Kemi Badenoch’s victory and what Farage called her “absolutely farcical press conference,” Jenkyns made her decision.
“Andrea said, look, I think Reform is where my heart is,” Farage quoted, adding that he believes she has “a very good chance of winning” the mayoral race.
