Nigel Farage, the former UK Independence party leader, says he has not ruled out standing in the June 8 general election, and would make his mind up over next couple of days on what would be his sixth attempt at the British parliament.

“Haven’t decided yet. Got to weigh it up” he told the BBC Today programme.

But the MEP said: “We need a strong Ukip voice in British politics to hold the Tories to account”.

Paul Nuttall, the party leader, stood unsuccessfully in the recent Stoke by election, which was held by Labour. Mr Farage said pointedly Mr Nuttall had six weeks to reverse the fortunes of the party.

But the former leader conceded Ukip is hobbled by in fighting. Its only MP Douglas Carswell, the former Tory who was Ukip MP for Clacton, has resigned from the party, indicating he will contest the seat as an independent.

Mr Farage said Mr Carswell was “very much responsible” for the internal divisions in the party, and said the party “should have kicked him out six months ago”.

Mr Farage stood unsuccessfully for the Thanet South seat in 2015 and if he stands is likely to try to take the seat.

The party is also eyeing its prospects in Hartlepool in the north east, where Iain Wright, the sitting Labour MP, this week announced he was not seeking re-election.

(Image: AFP/Getty)

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024. All rights reserved.
Reuse this content (opens in new window) CommentsJump to comments section

Follow the topics in this article

Comments

Comments have not been enabled for this article.