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Farage may visit Bailiwick to try to drum up support

Reform leader Nigel Farage could be visiting the Bailiwick to try to secure financial backing and votes for Reform UK, according to media reports.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage meeting candidates in Ramsgate in Kent, whilst on the local election campaign trail.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage meeting candidates in Ramsgate in Kent, whilst on the local election campaign trail. / Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

The Financial Times has reported that the leader of the right wing populist party is planning a tour of offshore jurisdictions in an effort to find eligible voters and extra financial support.

The newspaper suggested that a visit to the Crown Dependencies would be part of a wider European and Middle Eastern tour, which the FT says will target funds from wealthy offshore donors.

As well as funding, Mr Farage is also looking for potential voters.

Changes to UK laws in January 2024 removed a 15-year rule that meant people were not able to vote in UK elections more than 15 years after they left the country.

This allows British citizens worldwide to register to vote online, regardless of how long they have been overseas.

The UK is due to hold local elections from this Thursday 1 May, however anyone in Guernsey who is eligible to vote must have already registered to do so.

Deputy David Mahoney, who is not standing at the forthcoming Guernsey elections, has been rumoured to be taking a role with Reform UK.

He confirmed he had discussions with Nigel Farage and his team.

‘But it would be premature to say anything about that at this point.’ he said.

Deputy Mahoney said he did not know what support Mr Farage would have in Guernsey.

‘That’s a matter for him and his team,’ he said. ‘I’m totally in the dark about any fundraising here, but I imagine all the major political parties, be it Conservative, Reform or Labour, will be looking for votes and support in other jurisdictions.’

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