Facebook post claiming ex-Ukip leader, whose wife is German, was in embassy queue prompts speculation that he could be applying for dual citizenship

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

A reported sighting of Nigel Farage queuing at the German embassy has prompted fevered, but probably inaccurate, speculation on social media that the Eurosceptic former Ukip leader could be applying for dual citizenship.

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A spokesman said he could not contact Farage – whose wife, Kirsten Mehr, is German – so was unable to confirm whether he had even been at the embassy on Monday when a Facebook user reported seeing him.

“There is absolutely nothing at this point to corroborate that he was actually there,” the spokesman said. “So far, all there is to suggest this is one Facebook post. Since when does one Facebook post make a story?”

Sources close to Farage subsequently said the suggestion he might be applying for dual nationality was not true.

SLATUKIP IMP #ukip (@SLATUKIP) What's going on here then? #Farage #Ukip pic.twitter.com/cj2xdnZXje

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Leonie Witte said on her Facebook page that she had seen Farage “in the queue at the German embassy with me and my fellow European citizens”, adding: “I guess he realised he really kinda screwed us over and is quickly trying to also get some dual citizenship.”

Some commenters suggested – although with no apparent evidence to substantiate the claim – that the Ukip MEP, who stepped down as the party’s leader last month, may have been at the embassy in connection with the citizenship of his two daughters.

Witte also said she overheard Farage, a prominent campaigner in Britain’s referendum vote to leave the European Union, apologising to an official for not having a particular document with him, saying: “As you might have noticed I’ve been a bit busy lately”.

Her post has been shared nearly 150 times on Facebook and many more on Twitter.