Nigel Farage's furious clash with Times editor stuns even his allies
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had a heated confrontation with Times editor Tony Gallagher over a story about his homes, which he claimed endangered his family.
Nigel Farage, known for his outbursts against the liberal establishment, shocked even those close to him with the fury he directed at Tony Gallagher, editor of The Times. According to sources, the encounter escalated to the point of an expletive aimed at Gallagher, triggered by Farage's anger over the newspaper's plan to publish a story about his houses. Farage argued the article put his family at risk. The confrontation was described as "a strong confrontation".
This incident comes at a fragile time for Reform UK's relationship with Britain's right-leaning media. Last year, Farage was courting News UK titles, attending their summer party and dining with The Sun's editor. But recent coverage from The Times, The Sun, The Daily Telegraph, and The Daily Mail has taken a negative turn, focusing on questions about Farage's funding and finances. The Sun's veteran commentator Trevor Kavanagh even wrote about the "sudden death" of Reform as a political movement.
Reform figures believe The Times should not have published a photograph of a property where one of Farage's children lives, citing security concerns. The Times spokesperson defended the article, stating the photo did not reveal the exact location or pose a security risk. A senior News UK figure has reportedly reached out to Farage for a meeting.
Farage's decision to invoke the Leveson inquiry into press ethics has angered media leaders, many of whom recently celebrated a legal victory against Prince Harry and other claimants. One senior editor described Farage's tactics as "straight out of Trump world" – demonising the messenger and rallying the base.
Within Reform, the downturn in coverage is not surprising. One figure noted that the right-wing press has always been a "fair-weather friend". Professor Des Freedman from Goldsmiths University suggested that the earlier positive coverage was a way to pressure Labour and Conservatives on tax and immigration. However, that "honeymoon" is now over as Farage is seen as less reliable. The Daily Express remains supportive, but if other right-wing papers continue their scepticism, it could seriously dent Reform's ambitions for power.
