Daily Mail columnist Dan Hodges delivers a scathing critique of Nigel Farage following a recorded address the Reform leader gave to the nation. Hodges argues that Farage, once an engaging and effective anti-establishment campaigner, has become self-pitying, evasive and boorish. The piece matters because it reflects growing scrutiny of Farage's personal finances and conduct, and suggests his standing on the political Right may be weakening.

Farage's address expressed anger at press coverage of a family member's house and questions about his personal finances. Hodges notes that Farage is under investigation by parliament's standards watchdog over an undeclared £5million gift from a British-Thai donor, and faces separate questions over accepting staff, security and a flat from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster. Farage also claimed to be the most attacked politician of modern times and justified spending on personal security. Hodges criticises this framing, recalling the murders of MPs Jo Cox and David Amess. Farage has given up his Clacton seat to trigger a by-election in which he will stand largely unopposed by major parties, but Hodges argues the victory will be meaningless and is boosting Kemi Badenoch as the leading figure of the insurgent Right.