Ukip begins push for Farage knighthood

NIGEL Farage’s own party has said he should be knighted for securing the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall and its Lords members have written to the honours committee to suggest Mr Farage be recognised for his part in securing the referendumonBrexitandhis“very substantial” contribution to the result.

The letter also highlighted Mr Farage’s status as a “figure of international significance” due to his “good personal relationship” with US President-elect Donald Trump.

The Ukip letter argues that a knighthood for Mr Farage would be “in the national interest”.

Ukip had previously lobbied for Mr Farage to be made a peer, but the party said he would not accept a place in the House of Lords at present because he wanted to see out his term as an MEP.

Putting the case for a knighthood for Mr Farage, former Ukip leader Lord Pearson of Rannoch, Mr Nuttall, Lord Stevens of Ludgate and Lord Willoughby de Broke said: “More than anyone else, he provoked the recent referendum on EU membership, and his contribution to the result was very substantial.”

They added: “He has since become a figure of international significance, thanks to his support for President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign for the Republican leadership. He and Mr Trump enjoy a good personal relationship, which is likely to endure.”

The Ukip letter said Mr Farage had given up “what would undoubtedly have been a lucrative City career” to build Ukip.

He had also given time to “many charity events” and although there was no record of the amount he had raised, “it must be substantial”.

Lord Pearson’s earlier request to Theresa May calling for Mr Farage be offered a place in the Lords was “an error, because he would not accept a peerage now”.