Nigel Farage No Show Overshadows Reform's Election Campaign Launch

Growing questions over the political future of Nigel Farage dominated a Reform UK press conference launching the party's preparations for the 2024 general election.

Reform leader Richard Tice said Farage was still "assessing" what role he would play in the right-wing party's general election campaign when the country next goes to the polls. 

At the same event, Tice said he was "absolutely categoric" that he would not "under any circumstances" stand aside for the Tories in certain seats at the next general election, presenting another headache for Rishi Sunak as he tries to avoid defeat.

"We will stand everywhere in England, Scotland and Wales. Absolutely," said Tice.

Farage, the former leader of the UK Independence Party and the Brexit Party, has been strongly linked with a return to frontline politics with a general election on the horizon. There have been suggestions that he could take over Reform as leader, but he may decide against that option and opt to play a prominent role in the party's campaign instead. 

Speaking at a press conference in Westminster on Wednesday, Tice said he was "very confident" that Farage would play a formal role in Reform's election campaign, but said that the leading Brexiteer was still considering what exactly that would be. Farage, who recently competed in the reality TV show, I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here, was not present at the event in Westminster. 

"We've been talking over the Christmas period and he's giving a lot of thought to the extent of the role that he wants to play in helping Rerform UK save Britain," said Tice.

"He is still assessing that and as of when we have collectively come to a decision, we will look forward to letting everybody know.

"I'm not a poker player, but I know