Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
The Times
Nigel Farage has been named 'Briton of the year' by a newspaper ... and people are livid
It follows an impressive performance by UKIP, which claimed 24 seats in the Euro elections and two in Westminster by-elections.
THE TIMES HAS named Nigel Farage its ‘Briton of the Year’.
It follows a stunning performance from his UKIP party in 2014 — both at home, and in Europe.
24 party MEPs were elected to Brussels back in May — more than any other political grouping in Britain.
That was followed in October by its long anticipated Westminster breakthrough, as Douglas Carswell was elected in a by-election, having left the Conservatives.
Another domestic success followed last month, as Mark Reckless — another defector from David Cameron’s backbenches — claimed a seat in Rochester and Strood.
A recent YouGov poll put support for Farage’s party at 28 per cent — ten behind the Tories, and edging out Ed Miliband’s Labour.
As you might imagine, the man himself is pretty happy with the newspaper’s honour (which, it should be noted, isn’t exactly an accolade, more of an assessment of his influence on the political scene).
Reaction
The decision has been met with plenty of criticism online — with some readers even cancelling their Times subscriptions as a result.
Whoops!
We couldn't find this Tweet
Whoops!
We couldn't find this Tweet
Whoops!
We couldn't find this Tweet
The editor of The Spectator said he disagreed with the Times’ editorial position…
And even political heavyweights have been weighing in on the issue…
have your say