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Nigel Farage vs Boris Johnson

Two of Brexits biggest figures - allies or rivals?

Nigel Farage

  • •UKIP/Brexit Party/Reform UK leader
  • •Campaigned for Brexit for 25 years
  • •Never held Cabinet office
  • •Outsider positioning
  • •Led Leave.EU campaign
  • •Critical of Boris's Brexit deal

Boris Johnson

  • •Prime Minister 2019-2022
  • •Led Vote Leave campaign
  • •Delivered Brexit (formally)
  • •Former Mayor of London
  • •Former Foreign Secretary
  • •Resigned over Partygate

Key Differences

  • 1.Brexit: Both supported Leave, but led rival campaigns
  • 2.Deal: Boris signed withdrawal agreement; Farage said it was a betrayal
  • 3.Establishment: Boris is establishment; Farage claims outsider status
  • 4.Electability: Boris won landslide 2019; Farage never won Westminster seat until 2024
  • 5.Style: Both charismatic populists, but Boris more mainstream-acceptable

Summary

Farage and Boris were both central to Brexit but maintained a complex relationship. Farage stood down Brexit Party candidates in 2019 to help Boris win, but later criticized the Brexit deal Boris negotiated.