Wakey wakey! Whoooo remembers the United Kingdom Independence Party? Steerpike has fond memories of Ukip, Nigel Farage’s previous-but-one political vehicle which he then left to lead the Brexit Party back during the not-so-sunny days of Theresa May’s government. Along the way, a fair few Kippers have followed Farage on his journey and now ended up in Reform. The likes of Paul Nuttall and Ed Sumner are now helping run the party, while Gawain Towler is on the board.
But Steerpike’s eye has been drawn to a little-noticed candidate who is pitching herself in Guildford. For, in the ward of Cranleigh and Ewhurst, a onetime political star has gone back to her roots in local government. Diane James, who briefly served as Farage’s successor as Ukip leader for 18 days between 16 September and 4 October 2016 is now standing as one of Reform’s candidates. She is one of two Reformers among the nine candidates but is surely the most high-profile name yet to be reported nationally.
Elsewhere across the country, plenty of other longtime Farage fans are standing on 7 May. One doughty warrior is John Gill, a veteran of the Ukip and Reform press offices, who is now pitching his wares in the Perry Vale ward of Lewisham. Talk about a tough battle. A party source told Mr S:
Nigel still has great relationships with many people from his long career. These are just two examples. We are all hoping for a turquoise wave in Lewisham.
Steerpike understands that other ex-Kippers within Milbank Tower were set to stand. But, alas, paperwork issues intervened. ‘Sad!’ as a great man used to say.
Comments