And he told party members this week he’d be away from London “canvassing, campaigning and doing our best” until the local elections in May – instead he’s flown to the US again to speak at a MAGA fundraising dinner
Nigel Farage skipped out on PMQs and preparing Reform UK for May’s local elections to help raise money for Donald Trump at a $450-a-head MAGA donor dinner in Florida, it can be revealed.
The Reform UK leader was absent from the Commons chamber today – even as Keir Starmer poked fun at him being unable even to lead a “party that would fit in the back of a taxi.”
And he told party members this week he’d be away from London for a “very, very long time…canvassing, campaigning and doing our best” until the local elections in May.
Instead, the Mirror understands he has again flown to the United States to headline the Republican Party of Florida’s Disruptors Dinner in Tallahassee, tomorrow night.
The cheapest seats at the dinner cost $450 – but well-heeled Trump fans can pay up to $25,000 for ‘sponsor’ status – granting access to a “VIP reception with Nigel Farage ”, as well as various other perks.
At a speech on Monday, Mr Farage told Reform UK supporters it would be “one of my last days in London for a very, very long time” because he had “already 30 events booked all around the country in the run up to these county council, unitary and mayoral elections.”
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He added: “We’re going to be out there where we’re allowed to have elections. We’re going to be out there canvassing, campaigning and doing our best, as I said at the start, to prove that the polls aren’t virtual. Actually, the real votes exist out there on the ground, and I believe they do.”
In a statement to US media, Mr Farage said: “I’m so incredibly excited to be joining the Republican Party of Florida for the Disruptors Dinner. President Trump’s decisive win and return to the White House inspires us all to continue the fight for freedom globally. I’m looking forward to being back in the Free State of Florida to celebrate with all of you.”
And organiser Bill Helmlich said: “We look forward to him sharing what he’s trying to do with the Reform party in England and his vision, which is similar to President Trump’s, for moving the world forward.”