I'm Standing...Farage Vows To Lead 'Political Revolt' In Shock Election U-Turn/

Nigel Farage entered the General Election race yesterday, announcing he is standing for Parliament in a dramatic U-turn after taking over as leader of Reform UK.

- Martyn Brown and Christian Calgie

In a stunning return to frontline politics, the Brexiteer vowed to lead a "revolt" as he declared the country was sick of "sectarian politics" driven by mass immigration.

Announcing he will run for election in Clacton, Essex, he said he would lead Reform for the next five years, making it clear that he wants to overtake the Tories as the Opposition and potentially be in power by 2029.

The GB News presenter, a friend of former US President and returning White House hopeful Donald Trump, had previously insisted he would not stand for Parliament.

He had claimed six weeks was not enough time to put together a full campaign after being caught on the hop by Rishi Sunak's snap election announcement last month.

Strength

But taking over from former Reform UK leader Richard Tice, below, yesterday, Mr Farage said: "I've changed my mind.

"It's not always a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength."

He told supporters: "I'm back. I'm standing as a candidate in this election. I've taken over leadership of Reform. Do you know why?

"I see our country going down the drain. I believe in Britain.

"These boring idiots that lead the Labour and Conservative parties are not worth the space.