Nigel Farage has launched a sharp criticism against the Daily Mail group, accusing the newspapers of attempting to hinder Reform UK's electoral breakthrough by publishing reports suggesting
he is aligned with Vladimir Putin's administration.
Farage, aiming to secure the Clacton seat for Reform in the upcoming general election, expressed frustration over what he perceives as collaboration between the newspaper and the Kremlin to safeguard the Conservative party. He also criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson for condemning his remarks on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
While Farage clarified that he opposes the invasion and dislikes Vladimir Putin, his comments have drawn criticism for seemingly echoing a narrative sympathetic to the Russian president.
The dispute escalated after the Mail on Sunday cited a Ukrainian presidential office source describing Farage as infected with "Putinism." This prompted Farage to involve legal action, alleging a breach of editorial standards.
In response, Monday's Daily Mail quoted a spokesperson for the Russian foreign minister indicating Moscow's view of Farage as sympathetic to their cause. Farage vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that he has never supported Putin's administration nor visited Russia.
Accusing the Daily Mail of spreading falsehoods to undermine his electoral prospects, Farage emphasized the importance of honesty in political discourse, especially during election campaigns.
Farage's criticism extended to Prime Minister Johnson, whom he labeled a "liar and hypocrite" for joining the criticism against him. Despite the controversy, Farage vowed to continue his campaign, aiming to provide robust opposition to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government.
The ongoing dispute underscores tensions within British politics ahead of the upcoming elections, with Farage positioning Reform UK as a viable alternative to the Conservatives' perceived failures under Johnson's leadership. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.