Nigel Farage today pledged to use his time to help other European nations 'get their independence back' after quitting as Ukip leader.
He said last month's shock Brexit result offered a 'beacon of hope' for movements across the EU and said he will be working with parties from various member states wanting to hold their own referendum on cutting ties with Brussels.
Mr Farage announced his resignation as Ukip leader on Monday and said this morning he found himself 'freer'.
Holding a press conference in Strasbourg, France, this morning to deal with the 'huge demand' for interviews with journalists across Europe, he pointed to opinion polls in Denmark, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Italy suggesting rising demands for their own votes on leaving the EU.
Now he’s going for the domino effect: Nigel Farage pledges to use his time to help other EU nations win their own independence after quitting as Ukip leader
•Farage says he's now 'freer' to help other EU member states 'get their independence back too'
•Says Brexit vote had offered a 'beacon of hope' to movements across EU
•Admits he's had a 'whale of a time' as an MEP in Brussels and Strasbourg
•Gives press conference in Strasbourg after 'huge demand' for interviews
By Matt Dathan, Political Correspondent For Mailonline
6 July 2016
Nigel Farage today pledged to use his time to help other European nations 'get their independence back' after quitting as Ukip leader.
He said last month's shock Brexit result offered a 'beacon of hope' for movements across the EU and said he will be working with parties from various member states wanting to hold their own referendum on cutting ties with Brussels.
Mr Farage announced his resignation as Ukip leader on Monday and said this morning he found himself 'freer'.
Outgoing Ukip leader Nigel Farage (pictured in Strasbourg today) said he is now 'freer' to work with parties and political movements across Europe to help 'get their independence back too'
Holding a press conference in Strasbourg, France, this morning to deal with the 'huge demand' for interviews with journalists across Europe, he pointed to opinion polls in Denmark, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Italy suggesting rising demands for their own votes on leaving the EU.
There were several 'big red letter days' coming up, such as Hungary's referendum on October 2 on migrant quotas and the re-run of Austrian's presidential election taking place on the same day.
The far-right Eurosceptic candidate narrowly lost out to the former Green leader Alexander Van der Bellen earlier this year but the result was annulled last week after a legal challenge.
Mr Farage was also given a chance to reminisce about his 17 years serving as an MEP in the European Parliament, saying: 'I've had an absolute whale of a time.'
He also said he'll miss being 'the pantomime villain' in Brussels, joking: 'I’ve just so enjoyed them all booing at me and shouting at me, it’s been wonderful. So that part of it I’ll miss.'
Nigel Farage (pictured giving a press conference in Strasbourg, France, this morning) said last month's hock Brexit result offered a 'beacon of hope' for movements across the EU and said he will be working with parties from various member states wanting to hold their own referendum on cutting ties with Brussels
Holding a press conference in Strasbourg, France, this morning to deal with the 'huge demand' for interviews, with journalists across Europe, Nigel Farage (pictured) pointed to opinion polls in Denmark, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Italy suggesting rising demands for their own votes on leaving the EU.
Nigel Farage (pictured in the Strasbourg Parliament yesterday) said he couldn't believe he had risen to seat number 20 in the plenary after sitting as an MEP for 17 years
He added: 'If you'd said to me that I'd come to the European Parliament in the first place, for this ridiculous little party called Ukip that nobody had ever heard of, that would have shocked me and indeed the day I was elected here I simply couldn’t believe it.
'But to think that at the end of my time here they had given me seat number 20 in the plenary and dear old Juncker sits in seat 21, I mean you couldn’t make it up, really.
'So I shall miss the theatre and I shall miss the drama that there’s been inside the European Parliament.
'But what I won’t miss and what none of us will miss is the travelling to get here.'
Asked how he will use his time now he had stood down as Ukip leader, Mr Farage said: 'I do find myself freer and I will be working with parties and political movements across the rest of Europe who are looking to get their independence back too.'
Nigel Farage and Jean-Claude Juncker embraced in Brussels last week before the outgoing Ukip leader gloated about the Brexit vote, drawing boos from fellow MEPs
Nigel Farage (pictured) was booed and heckled by EU lawmakers in Brussels last week as he gloated about Britain's historic vote to leave the EU the previous week
Mr Farage was booed and heckled by EU lawmakers in Brussels last week as he gloated about Britain's historic vote to leave the EU the previous week.
The Ukip leader told fellow MEPs 'you're not laughing now' and accused the EU of being 'a political project in denial'.
As he stood up to speak to a hostile reception in the European Parliament building this morning, he joked: 'Thank you for the warm welcome' before telling them they were also 'in denial' about the euro crisis and immigration.
Earlier in the session he clashed with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, who asked the Ukip leader: 'Why are you here?'
But there was a moment of respite in the hostilities before the debate today when Mr Juncker embraced Mr Farge, but the Ukip leader looked uncomfortable as the European Commission president went in for a kiss.
WHO'S IN THE RUNNING TO REPLACE NIGEL FARAGE AS UKIP LEADER? DEPUTY LEADER PAUL NUTTALL THE EARLY FAVOURITE AFTER FARAGE SAYS THE PARTY'S 'GREATEST POTENTIAL' LAY IN ATTRACTING LABOUR VOTERS
Paul Nuttall (left) and Steven Woolfe (middle) would both fit Nigel Farage's preference for his successor after he said this morning that the party's 'greatest potential' lay in attracting Labour voters, but Diane James (right) has also been tipped as she might be a less divisive figure
Nigel Farage's resignation has sparked a leadership contest, with the new Ukip chief to be announced at the party's annual conference at the end of September. The early contenders are:
Paul Nuttall, the deputy leader, is the early favourite and was quick to appear on TV channels shortly after Farage's resignation. He insisted today was a chance to pay tribute to Farage's achievements but the North West England MEP has been tipped as someone who can make progress on Ukip's success in Labour strongholds across northern England.
Steven Woolfe, Ukip's immigration and financial affairs spokesman, has been a rising star in the party and a confident media performer. He is also an MEP for North West England, where Ukip has performed strongly in Labour heartlands in recent elections. Woolfe and Nuttall would both fit Farage's preference for his successor after he said this morning that the party's 'greatest potential' lay in attracting Labour voters.
Suzanne Evans, is a close ally of Ukip's only MP Douglas Carswell, who has already ruled himself out of running for leader. She said this morning she 'would very much like to stand' to be the new leader but after being suspended for six months earlier this year for speaking out against homophobia in the party she will need the party's ruling NEC to overturn her suspension. She served as deputy leader until her suspension this year and is the party's Parliament spokesperson and as a former journalist she is a regular and confident media performer but she will be opposed by Farage.
Arron Banks, the multi-millionaire businessman who has bank-rolled Ukip over the last few years, has revealed he is considering a leadership bid. He will meet Mr Farage, a close ally, in the coming days to discuss his leadership ambitions.
Diane James, joint deputy Ukip leader and MEP for the South East of England played a prominent role in the EU referendum and could be the least divisive figure for leader. Reacting to Farage's resignation today James, Ukip's home affairs and justice spokesperson, congratulated Farage on winning Brexit and said it was 'time for a holiday' and a 'deserved rest'.
Patrick O'Flynn, MEP for East of England, is another former journalist who like Farage is confident in front of the camera but has also fallen out with Farage in the past.
Peter Whittle stood for Ukip in May's London mayoral elections but managed to pick up just 3.6 per cent of the votes. But he broke through for Ukip in the capital by winning a seat on the London Assembly along with David Kurten.
Each candidate hoping to take part in the leadership contest must receive the backing of at least 50 fully paid-up members of Ukip drawn from at least 10 different constituency associations or branches.
Suzanne Evans (left) said this morning she 'would very much like to stand' to be the new leader but after being suspended for six months earlier this year for speaking out against homophobia in the party she will need the party's ruling NEC to overturn her suspension. Patrick O'Flynn (pictured middle), MEP for East of England, is another former journalist who like Farage is confident in front of the camera but has also fallen out with Farage in the past. Peter Whittle (right) stood for Ukip in May's London mayoral elections but managed to pick up just 3.6 per cent of the votes
What's the process for picking a new Ukip leader?
Members who are facing disciplinary action are excluded from taking part, so Suzanne Evans will be barred from standing unless the NEC overrule her suspension.
All candidates receiving the required nominations will then be put forward to a ballot of all paid-up members of the party who have been signed up for at least 14 days before the deadline for the receipt of ballot papers.
The winner of the contest - and the new leader - will be the candidate who wins a simple majority of the votes cast.
If there is only one leadership candidate they automatically become the new leader. In the event of a contest, the winner will be announced at the Ukip annual conference in September.
Read more: Nigel Farage vows to help other EU nations win independence after Brexit vote | Daily Mail Online
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He said last month's shock Brexit result offered a 'beacon of hope' for movements across the EU and said he will be working with parties from various member states wanting to hold their own referendum on cutting ties with Brussels.
Mr Farage announced his resignation as Ukip leader on Monday and said this morning he found himself 'freer'.
Holding a press conference in Strasbourg, France, this morning to deal with the 'huge demand' for interviews with journalists across Europe, he pointed to opinion polls in Denmark, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Italy suggesting rising demands for their own votes on leaving the EU.
Now he’s going for the domino effect: Nigel Farage pledges to use his time to help other EU nations win their own independence after quitting as Ukip leader
•Farage says he's now 'freer' to help other EU member states 'get their independence back too'
•Says Brexit vote had offered a 'beacon of hope' to movements across EU
•Admits he's had a 'whale of a time' as an MEP in Brussels and Strasbourg
•Gives press conference in Strasbourg after 'huge demand' for interviews
By Matt Dathan, Political Correspondent For Mailonline
6 July 2016
Nigel Farage today pledged to use his time to help other European nations 'get their independence back' after quitting as Ukip leader.
He said last month's shock Brexit result offered a 'beacon of hope' for movements across the EU and said he will be working with parties from various member states wanting to hold their own referendum on cutting ties with Brussels.
Mr Farage announced his resignation as Ukip leader on Monday and said this morning he found himself 'freer'.
Outgoing Ukip leader Nigel Farage (pictured in Strasbourg today) said he is now 'freer' to work with parties and political movements across Europe to help 'get their independence back too'
Holding a press conference in Strasbourg, France, this morning to deal with the 'huge demand' for interviews with journalists across Europe, he pointed to opinion polls in Denmark, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Italy suggesting rising demands for their own votes on leaving the EU.
There were several 'big red letter days' coming up, such as Hungary's referendum on October 2 on migrant quotas and the re-run of Austrian's presidential election taking place on the same day.
The far-right Eurosceptic candidate narrowly lost out to the former Green leader Alexander Van der Bellen earlier this year but the result was annulled last week after a legal challenge.
Mr Farage was also given a chance to reminisce about his 17 years serving as an MEP in the European Parliament, saying: 'I've had an absolute whale of a time.'
He also said he'll miss being 'the pantomime villain' in Brussels, joking: 'I’ve just so enjoyed them all booing at me and shouting at me, it’s been wonderful. So that part of it I’ll miss.'
Nigel Farage (pictured giving a press conference in Strasbourg, France, this morning) said last month's hock Brexit result offered a 'beacon of hope' for movements across the EU and said he will be working with parties from various member states wanting to hold their own referendum on cutting ties with Brussels
Holding a press conference in Strasbourg, France, this morning to deal with the 'huge demand' for interviews, with journalists across Europe, Nigel Farage (pictured) pointed to opinion polls in Denmark, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Italy suggesting rising demands for their own votes on leaving the EU.
Nigel Farage (pictured in the Strasbourg Parliament yesterday) said he couldn't believe he had risen to seat number 20 in the plenary after sitting as an MEP for 17 years
He added: 'If you'd said to me that I'd come to the European Parliament in the first place, for this ridiculous little party called Ukip that nobody had ever heard of, that would have shocked me and indeed the day I was elected here I simply couldn’t believe it.
'But to think that at the end of my time here they had given me seat number 20 in the plenary and dear old Juncker sits in seat 21, I mean you couldn’t make it up, really.
'So I shall miss the theatre and I shall miss the drama that there’s been inside the European Parliament.
'But what I won’t miss and what none of us will miss is the travelling to get here.'
Asked how he will use his time now he had stood down as Ukip leader, Mr Farage said: 'I do find myself freer and I will be working with parties and political movements across the rest of Europe who are looking to get their independence back too.'
Nigel Farage and Jean-Claude Juncker embraced in Brussels last week before the outgoing Ukip leader gloated about the Brexit vote, drawing boos from fellow MEPs
Nigel Farage (pictured) was booed and heckled by EU lawmakers in Brussels last week as he gloated about Britain's historic vote to leave the EU the previous week
Mr Farage was booed and heckled by EU lawmakers in Brussels last week as he gloated about Britain's historic vote to leave the EU the previous week.
The Ukip leader told fellow MEPs 'you're not laughing now' and accused the EU of being 'a political project in denial'.
As he stood up to speak to a hostile reception in the European Parliament building this morning, he joked: 'Thank you for the warm welcome' before telling them they were also 'in denial' about the euro crisis and immigration.
Earlier in the session he clashed with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, who asked the Ukip leader: 'Why are you here?'
But there was a moment of respite in the hostilities before the debate today when Mr Juncker embraced Mr Farge, but the Ukip leader looked uncomfortable as the European Commission president went in for a kiss.
WHO'S IN THE RUNNING TO REPLACE NIGEL FARAGE AS UKIP LEADER? DEPUTY LEADER PAUL NUTTALL THE EARLY FAVOURITE AFTER FARAGE SAYS THE PARTY'S 'GREATEST POTENTIAL' LAY IN ATTRACTING LABOUR VOTERS
Paul Nuttall (left) and Steven Woolfe (middle) would both fit Nigel Farage's preference for his successor after he said this morning that the party's 'greatest potential' lay in attracting Labour voters, but Diane James (right) has also been tipped as she might be a less divisive figure
Nigel Farage's resignation has sparked a leadership contest, with the new Ukip chief to be announced at the party's annual conference at the end of September. The early contenders are:
Paul Nuttall, the deputy leader, is the early favourite and was quick to appear on TV channels shortly after Farage's resignation. He insisted today was a chance to pay tribute to Farage's achievements but the North West England MEP has been tipped as someone who can make progress on Ukip's success in Labour strongholds across northern England.
Steven Woolfe, Ukip's immigration and financial affairs spokesman, has been a rising star in the party and a confident media performer. He is also an MEP for North West England, where Ukip has performed strongly in Labour heartlands in recent elections. Woolfe and Nuttall would both fit Farage's preference for his successor after he said this morning that the party's 'greatest potential' lay in attracting Labour voters.
Suzanne Evans, is a close ally of Ukip's only MP Douglas Carswell, who has already ruled himself out of running for leader. She said this morning she 'would very much like to stand' to be the new leader but after being suspended for six months earlier this year for speaking out against homophobia in the party she will need the party's ruling NEC to overturn her suspension. She served as deputy leader until her suspension this year and is the party's Parliament spokesperson and as a former journalist she is a regular and confident media performer but she will be opposed by Farage.
Arron Banks, the multi-millionaire businessman who has bank-rolled Ukip over the last few years, has revealed he is considering a leadership bid. He will meet Mr Farage, a close ally, in the coming days to discuss his leadership ambitions.
Diane James, joint deputy Ukip leader and MEP for the South East of England played a prominent role in the EU referendum and could be the least divisive figure for leader. Reacting to Farage's resignation today James, Ukip's home affairs and justice spokesperson, congratulated Farage on winning Brexit and said it was 'time for a holiday' and a 'deserved rest'.
Patrick O'Flynn, MEP for East of England, is another former journalist who like Farage is confident in front of the camera but has also fallen out with Farage in the past.
Peter Whittle stood for Ukip in May's London mayoral elections but managed to pick up just 3.6 per cent of the votes. But he broke through for Ukip in the capital by winning a seat on the London Assembly along with David Kurten.
Each candidate hoping to take part in the leadership contest must receive the backing of at least 50 fully paid-up members of Ukip drawn from at least 10 different constituency associations or branches.
Suzanne Evans (left) said this morning she 'would very much like to stand' to be the new leader but after being suspended for six months earlier this year for speaking out against homophobia in the party she will need the party's ruling NEC to overturn her suspension. Patrick O'Flynn (pictured middle), MEP for East of England, is another former journalist who like Farage is confident in front of the camera but has also fallen out with Farage in the past. Peter Whittle (right) stood for Ukip in May's London mayoral elections but managed to pick up just 3.6 per cent of the votes
What's the process for picking a new Ukip leader?
Members who are facing disciplinary action are excluded from taking part, so Suzanne Evans will be barred from standing unless the NEC overrule her suspension.
All candidates receiving the required nominations will then be put forward to a ballot of all paid-up members of the party who have been signed up for at least 14 days before the deadline for the receipt of ballot papers.
The winner of the contest - and the new leader - will be the candidate who wins a simple majority of the votes cast.
If there is only one leadership candidate they automatically become the new leader. In the event of a contest, the winner will be announced at the Ukip annual conference in September.
Read more: Nigel Farage vows to help other EU nations win independence after Brexit vote | Daily Mail Online
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