Cliff Notes
- Nigel Farage confirmed he will not stand in the 2026 Senedd election, stating, “I’m not Welsh so it’s not going to be me.”
- The new election rules require all candidates to reside in Wales, with an increase in the number of Senedd members to 96 under a more proportional voting system.
- Recent polling indicates Plaid Cymru leading with 30% support, followed closely by Reform UK at 25%, while Labour and the Conservatives lag at 18% and 13%, respectively.
Nigel Farage rules out standing in Senedd election | UK News
Nigel Farage has ruled out standing at next year’s Senedd election.
When asked whether he would stand, the Reform UK leader said, “I’m not Welsh so it’s not going to be me”.
“I don’t intend to do that, that would be playing the game in the most cynical way and I’m not going to do it,” he told ITV Cymru Wales‘s Sharp End programme.
MPs can stand for the Senedd but, if successful, they would have to resign their seat at Westminster within eight days of their election.
As well as the voting system, the rules for prospective members are also changing, meaning all candidates at next May’s election will have to live in Wales.
Mr Farage has served as leader of the party since last June and has been the MP for Clacton since July’s General Election.
This week, he told Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates “essential” migration would be allowed under its manifesto plans.