The Rise and Rise of Nigel Farage

Is Nigel Farage the messiah of a new order or a phenomenal opportunist riding a wave of discontent?

Nigel Farage’s political odyssey is a testament to defiance, disruption, and relentless reinvention delivered with a dash of British eccentricity.

From a lone wolf railing against the vast bureaucracy of the EU in the European Parliament to the architect of Brexit and now the leader of the Reform Party, Farage has morphed from fringe agitator to a force challenging the Conservatives for the title of His Majesty’s Opposition.

He’s shaken off unsavoury allies, sidestepped scandals, and entered Donald Trump’s orbit—though that’s now muddled by Elon Musk’s backing of ousted Reform MP Rupert Lowe—and tried to quit politics more than once, only to be pulled back. With Reform surging in polls, is Farage the messiah of a new order or a phenomenal opportunist riding a wave of discontent?

Farage’s journey began in the 1990s, ditching the Conservatives over the Maastricht Treaty to co-found the UK Independence Party (UKIP). In the European Parliament, he was the EU’s gadfly, pint in hand with a nicotine-stained smile, decrying bureaucrats and immigration. Largely ignored by the Brussels elite, Farage’s firebrand speeches in the European Parliament gained a viral following on YouTube for articulating criticisms of the EU that British politicians would avoid in Westminster.

At home, UKIP drew far-right oddballs, but Farage shed them deftly, distancing the party from the far right British National Party (BNP) while crafting an everyman appeal. His persistence paid off: UKIP’s rise forced David Cameron into the 2016 Brexit referendum. Even at that point, Farage remained an underestimated politician by the British Establishment—gently mocked for failing to win a seat in a UK general election after seven attempts between 1994 and 2015.

But despite it all and for better or for worse, Farage played a leading role in the Brexit referendum and the unlikely victory celebrated by Brexiteers which cemented his political legacy. Post-victory, he stood down as UKIP leader, hinting at retirement—his first exit attempt.

Yet politics wouldn’t let him go. He returned to lead UKIP in 2016 amid infighting, then quit again in 2018 to launch the Brexit Party, topping the 2019 European elections. Another “retirement” followed in 2021, rebranding the party as Reform UK with plans to step back. Each farewell proved temporary—supporters, circumstances, or his own ambition pulled him back.

His 2024 return to Reform’s leadership electrified it, securing five seats and over four million votes—14.3%—in the general election. Recent polls show Reform soaring: a February 26, 2025, FindoutnowUK survey pegged them at 28%, ahead of Labour (23%) and Conservatives (21%). A YouGov poll from February 2 gave Reform 25%, edging Labour (24%) and Tories (21%), their first national lead. Reform’s battle with the Conservatives—led by the underwhelming Kemi Badenoch—hints at an opposition takeover, fuelled by Farage’s low-tax, anti-net-zero, anti-migration pitch.

Farage’s clout stretches to Trump’s populist sphere. The duo bonded over MAGA rhetoric—Farage spoke at Trump rallies, earning the “Mr. Brexit” tag. Post-2024, he’s reportedly advised Trump’s team. But Elon Musk’s endorsement of Rupert Lowe, Reform’s Great Yarmouth MP, as a potential successor throws a wrench in. Musk’s Tesla heft and X megaphone amplify Lowe’s defiance, just as Farage moved to quash him.

On March 6, 2025, Lowe told the Daily Mail that Reform was “a protest party led by the Messiah,” urging structural maturity and questioning Farage’s circle. Farage, on TalkTV, called Lowe disloyal, touting Reform’s “loyal following.” By March 7, Reform expelled Lowe, alleging “threats of physical violence” against chairman Zia Yusuf and staff bullying—claims Lowe dismissed as “vexatious” and a stitch-up.

Lowe retaliated in The Telegraph, decrying the leadership’s intolerance for “mild constructive criticism” and warning that infighting undermines Reform’s credibility. Farage admitted the spat “dented” unity but eyed May’s local elections, where Reform—down to four MPs but with 93 Councillors—seeks gains. Musk’s backing of Lowe tests Farage’s grip, especially with Trump’s circle watching.

Farage has weathered such storms before: UKIP’s Tommy Robinson flirtations faded as he rebranded and rose. The Brexit Party shed rebels too. Reform’s “democratization”—shifting to a not-for-profit owned by Farage and Yusuf—hasn’t silenced critics like ex-deputy Ben Habib, now mulling a rival outfit, who call it “flawed.”

Farage’s knack for shaking off baggage—and returning despite exits—defines his ascent. To fans, he’s a conviction politician who delivered Brexit and challenges a stale elite. To foes, he’s a populist showman, strong on chaos, weak on governance. Polls underscore his momentum: YouGov’s tactical voting data (March 3) shows Reform at 31% against Labour (35%), 25% against Conservatives (26%), and 29% against Lib Dems (36%), closing gaps fast. The Lowe saga, tangled with Musk’s meddling, hints at limits: Reform’s surge rests on Farage’s charisma, but his intolerance for rivals—and Trump’s crowded influence—could stall it.

As the Tories flail and Labour stumbles under Keir Starmer’s “miserable” government, Farage’s moment shines. He’s tried to leave, been pulled back, and kept soaring. Messiah or phenom, one truth holds: Nigel Farage remains Britain’s great disruptor, and the political tree he’s shaking has more fruit to drop.