Farage’s Absence On Laura Kuenssberg Show Raises Eyebrows

Nigel Farage’s last-minute decision not to go on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg has caused a stir among his critics.

While introducing her panel, the presenter noted all the major parties had sent representatives into the network’s flagship Sunday show – aside from Reform UK.

“Nigel Farage – who, as we told you last week, was fixed to be here – but his team told us he changed his mind,” Kuenssberg said.

The programme aired four days before voters across the country head to the ballot box for local elections in England and devolved elections in Wales and Scotland.

Labour’s transport secretary Heidi Alexander, Green leader Zack Polanski and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch were all in attendance, as the parties are out on the campaign trail.

The programme was also promoting Farage’s appearance on the show only on Saturday.

Reform’s decision not to put up any party representative sparked significant speculation on social media.

Farage’s absence came days after the Guardian revealed the Reform leader was given £5 million by a crypto billionaire shortly before he chose to stand as an MP in June 2024, and won the Clacton seat in July.

Parliamentary rules state any benefit taken up to 12 months before getting into office must be registered, depending on whether it was for political or personal reasons.

The rules add: “If there is any doubt, the benefit should be registered.”

Reform told HuffPost UK Farage is “campaigning in Clacton this weekend instead” ahead of the local elections.

The party did not explain why a different Reform representative was not put up in his place.

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