NIGEL Farage will make a political comeback in 2024 to hold the government’s “feet to the fire” on immigration, pals say.
In a nightmare for Rishi Sunak, close allies of the Brexit supremo suggest he is gearing up to take on a bigger political role.
Although The Sun on Sunday understands he does not plan to run in the general election.
“Nigel is very angry about the way the Tories have lied through their teeth on immigration for more than a decade,” a friend told the Sun on Sunday.
“Make no mistake that he will be holding their feet to the fire on immigration in 2024.”
The ex-Reform UK leader tore into Home Secretary James Cleverly this week after he celebrated no small boat arrivals over Christmas.
“You may be called Cleverly but you are clearly a moron,” Mr Farage told him on X before he pointing out that 50mph gusting winds could be the reason.
The friend added: “His broadside against James Cleverly is just the beginning.”
Reform UK leader Richard Tice also suggested Mr Farage is giving a “great deal of thought” about whether to return to frontline politics with a bigger role at the party.
The party is hosting a New Year’s press conference on January 3, where they will bash the Tories and Labour on tax and immigration.
There are rumours Mr Farage could choose the event to make his return to politics. But Mr Tice was keeping shtum.
“Watch this space,” he said. “Nigel has said he won’t stand again in a first past the post election. That is cast iron.
“The question is how involved he is as a figurehead. It is the quantum of assistance he wants to give – is it full blown, no nonsense, I’m back.”
Mr Tice also revealed his party will turn their political fire on Labour in 2024.
“The toxic Tories are finished,” he said. “We are going to shift our attack away from them and go hard on Keir Starmer.
“They would be a catastrophe for the country if they got into government, an absolute disaster.”
Mr Tice denied this is a de facto pact with Tory MPs.
He said: “The Tories are done. They are finished. So far from a pact, people need to recognise it is right to vote the Tories out but if you want growth you have got to vote Reform.”
