Nigel Farage has revealed he won't be running as a Reform candidate in the July 4 General Election, ending feverish speculation that he would seek to become an MP for the first time.
Explaining the decision, he hinted at a potential role supporting Donald Trump as he campaigns for a second term in the White House.
The former UKIP leader first revealed he had a "very firm job offer on the table from America", over 10 days ago, ahead of Rishi Sunak's shock announcement on Wednesday of a summer election.
Appearing on The Julia Hartley-Brewer Show on Talk TV, the ex-MEP said the role was "very, very tempting".
READ MORE: Nigel Farage's 'very firm offer' from Donald Trump as he snubs General Election
Farage claimed he'd been offered the chance to “indirectly” help the GOP candidate’s campaign, but has yet to confirm whether he'll accept, telling Hartley-Brewer he "honestly truthfully haven't yet made my mind up - and I haven't got long left to do it.
"At the minute, I'm leaning towards America," he added.
In a statement on Thursday, Farage voiced his support for Reform's vision for Britain, despite him forgoing a leading role in the months ahead.
"I have thought long and hard as to whether I should stand in the upcoming general election," he said.
"As honorary president of Reform UK, I am fully supportive of Richard Tice's leadership and urge voters to put their trust in him and Lee Anderson.
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"I will do my bit to help in the campaign, but it is not the right time for me to go any further than that," he continued.
Farage indicated that much of his focus will be on Washington, as "Important though the general election is, the contest in the United States of America on November 5 has huge global significance.
"A strong America as a close ally is vital for our peace and security. I intend to help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way that I can."
He also offered a broadside to Britain's leading political parties: "The choice between Labour and the Conservatives is uninspiring, and only Reform have the radical agenda that is needed to end decline in this country."
Farage has been accused of sucking up to Donald Trump after the GOP's shock victory in 2016, heaping the former President with praise at his rallies and even donning his trademark "Make America Great Again" during his show on LBC in 2022.
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