‘Nigel loves his country,’ Trump says as he congratulates Farage on winning his first ever seat
DONALD Trump has congratulated Nigel Farage on winning his first ever seat – saying “Nigel loves his country”.
Farage has been elected an MP for the first time as he stormed to a thumping win in Clacton on a devastating night for the Tories.
The Reform leader was finally successfully in his long-running bid for Parliament after seven previous unsuccessful attempts.
Former US President Trump said: “Congratulations to Nigel Farage on his big WIN of a Parliament Seat Amid Reform UK Election Success.
Posting on Twitter, Trump added: “Nigel is a man who truly loves his Country! DJT”
Reform has so far bagged four seats – falling short of the 13 predicted in the exit poll.
But Brexiteer Farage – who has vowed to lead a political revolution – hailed the “truly extraordinary” results for his fledgling party.
Reform chairman Richard Tice and defector Lee Anderson also won their constituencies in gains from the Conservatives.
Speaking after winning an 8,000 majority, he said: “What is interesting is there’s no enthusiasm for Labour.
“There’s no enthusiasm for Starmer whatsoever. In fact about half of the vote is simply an anti-Conservative vote.
He added: “This Labour Government will be in trouble very, very quickly.”
Farage saw off well-respected Tory Giles Watling, who will now retire after seven years in Westminster.
The polls were right and 60-year-old Farage was over the line by 8,405 votes.
He said his Reform party’s performance in the General Election was “truly extraordinary” after his win in Clacton.
Farage added: “There is a massive gap on the centre-right of British politics and my job is to fill it.”
He said: “This is the first step of something that is going to stun all of you – we are coming for Labour”.
“Something very fundamental is happening. I promise that I will do my absolute best as a Member of Parliament.
“I have 20 years as an MEP but it’s not quite the same link or same responsibility with constituents,” he said.
“It’s four weeks and three days since I decided to come out of retirement and throw my hat in the ring.
“I think what Reform UK has achieved in just those few short weeks is truly extraordinary.
“We had no money, no branch structure, virtually nothing across the country.
“But we’re going to come second in hundreds of constituencies, how many seats we’re going to win.
“To have done this in such a short space of time says something very fundamental is happening.”
ANALYSIS
By Martina Bet, Political Correspondent
NIGEL Farage’s main goal during the election campaign was to inflict maximum damage to the Tories.
Early results show he has been successful, with Reform eating into the Conservative vote across the country.
While support for the party is too evenly spread to win many seats, it is undeniable “the people’s revolt” has split the rightwing vote and cost the Tories many seats.
Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is one of the many who could have retained his seat had Farage’s party not stood.
But now that mission is accomplished, what comes next?
The Brexit champion let it slip during his victory speech: becoming the thorn in Labour’s side.
He issued a stark warning to Sir Keir Starmer, insisting there is no “enthusiasm” for him and that his Government will be “in trouble” very quickly.
Farage also made it clear he wants to use Reform’s results as a springboard for the next election.
He wants to build what he calls a “mass national movement” in order to become a “big enough challenge” for Labour in 2029. Lots of Brexit-voting constituencies are set to return to Sir Keir’s party today.
With a track record of smashing up the status quo in British politics and his new powerful platform in Parliament, Sir Keir should not -in any way- underestimate the Reform surge.