Nigel Farage “could join” the DUP amid speculation he is considering another bid to be elected as an MP.

The former UKIP leader is expected to speak at a DUP fundraiser in Ballymena this evening.

The event is being hosted by DUP MPs Ian Paisley, Sammy Wilson and Paul Girvan.

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Arron Banks, the millionaire who bankrolled UKIP and co-founded the Leave.EU campaign, did not deny the pair are planning to join the DUP during an interview on Sky News.

He said: “That’s something you’ll have to ask Nigel. We’re attending a DUP fundraiser this evening and I’m not really able to comment on that.

“But I’m sure Nigel will have comments at the dinner.

“But I think he’s mainly focused on the Brexit border issues, and I’m sure he’s going to make his feelings known.”

Happy to be on my way to Northern Ireland having worked with the DUP in the referendum.



I was elected as a UKIP MEP. I lead the EFDD group in Europarl and none of that is going to change! — Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) May 11, 2018

The Belfast Telegraph has contacted the DUP for comment.

Asked if Farage would use the DUP to make an eighth attempt to be elected as an MP, Mr Banks said: “All things are possible in politics. We’ve seen Trump, we’ve seen all manner of things.”

If Farage does join the DUP, he will be following in the footsteps on Enoch Powell who secured a return to Parliament by joining the Ulster Unionists after leaving the Conservative Party following his controversial Rivers of Blood speech.

He was elected MP for South Down in 1975 and held the seat for 13 years.

Belfast Telegraph