Nigel Farage drops strongest hint yet of political comeback after bombshell poll

Nigel Farage has dropped his strongest hint yet that he could make a fresh bid to become an MP after a bombshell poll.

The survey suggested the former Ukip and Brexit Party leader would win 37 per cent of the vote in Clacton in Essex and take the seat from the Tory incumbent.

Mr Farage said the research commissioned by close ally Aaron Banks had boosted the likelihood of him making a sensational comeback.

He told the Sunday Times: “I have to say to you that this poll does make the balance of probabilities towards getting back on the pitch stronger.

“This poll does make me consider getting back on the pitch far more seriously than ever before.”

The poll by Survation of 509 people, carried out between last Tuesday and Friday, put the Conservative 10 points behind Mr Farage on 27 per cent.

Labour were third on 23 per cent, the Lib Dems fourth on six per cent, while eight per cent said other candidates.

Damian Lyons Lowe, founder and chief executive of Survation said: “Clacton is fertile territory for Reform, and the party is attracting one-quarter of those who voted Conservative in 2019 and one-quarter of Leave voters.

“If, however, Nigel Farage were to stand as the Reform candidate in Clacton, he would win the seat from the Conservatives.”

The constituency, which voted 70 per cent for Brexit, is the only seat Ukip has won at a general election. It is currently held by Tory MP Giles Watling.

Speculation of a return to frontline politics by Mr Farage has been mounting since he came third on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.

The former MEP has not ruled out a comeback as leader of Reform UK, formerly the Brexit Party, of which he is currently honorary president.