Find local news in Kent

Home   Kent   News   Article

Nigel Farage visits Dartford, Gravesend and Rochester ahead of European Election 2019

11:47, 22 May 2019

updated: 18:55, 22 May 2019

Nigel Farage says his Brexit Party will sweep up in the EU election as he ended his campaign with a whistle stop tour through the county.

He spent the day meeting party supporters ending up in Rochester where he was greeted enthusiastically but also endured some heckling from protesters who shouted at him as he made a speech from the top of an open top bus.

He told KentOnline that victory would be the start of a movement that would revolutionise traditional party politics.

Scroll down to hear from Nigel Farage

WATCH: Nigel Farage chooses Kent for the final day of his Brexit Party campaign

"This is more than just a protest vote," he said. "The traditional two party system is broken "

He said the party was in it for the long term and would contest seats in Kent in a general election.

He also demanded the Brexit Party be part of Britain's negotiations to leave the EU.

Nigel Farage arriving in Kent
Nigel Farage arriving in Kent

Speaking as he toured Kent today in a final push for votes ahead of tomorrow's poll, he said the country was uniting behind "ending the agony that's dragged on for three years".

The South East MEP has been winding up his new political party's campaign with flying visits to Dartford, Gravesend and Rochester.

"The people have spoken. We now demand a place on the negotiating team," he told KentOnline.

"We've got a new date on the 31st of October, we absolutely have to be 100% ready to leave on that date on whatever basis can be worked out - whether that is WTO, whether that's a trade deal.

Nigel Farage meeting supporters in Dartford
Nigel Farage meeting supporters in Dartford

"What it won't be of course is Mrs May's treaty.

"The effect of a win for the Brexit Party will be is that it will put WTO back on the table.

"I also think it will kill off the prospect of a second referendum."

The decision to end his campaign in Rochester will be seen as symbolic - it was the constituency that Ukip won in a by-election in 2014.

Speaking after his arrival in Medway, Mr Farage said "I don't think I've got much choice" when he was asked if he would continue as Brexit Party leader once Britain has left the EU.

Party officials said the visit was intended partly to show that he would not be intimidated after a protester threw a milkshake at him during a visit to Newcastle.

Mr Farage is on course for a resounding victory in the EU election if the polls prove accurate and could sweep up five of the ten seats up for grabs in the South East region, which incorporates Kent and Medway.

The party leader has been under scrutiny this week over claims about his expenses as an MEP and claims - which he denies - that he failed to declare expenses that were funded by long-standing donor Arron Banks.

His visit comes as Theresa May faced a backlash over her latest Brexit deal which promises to give MPs the chance to trigger a referendum on the Withdrawal Bill - once it has been passed by the Commons.

Nigel Farage strolling around Gravesend
Nigel Farage strolling around Gravesend
Nigel Farage with Brexit Party supporters in Gravesend
Nigel Farage with Brexit Party supporters in Gravesend

How is Brexit going to affect Kent? For all the latest news, views and analysis visit our dedicated page here.

For more election news, click here.

Head to our politics page for expert analysis and all the latest news from your politicians and councils.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More