Nigel Farage

Nigel Farage, then leader of UKIP, reflects on his political career and personal life during a 2013 lunch. He characterizes his public controversies, such as his criticism of Herman Van Rompuy, as excesses of personality rather than calculated stunts, acknowledging a need for a less aggressive tone. The conversation addresses his upbringing, specifically the impact of his father’s alcoholism, and his defiance toward modern "PC" culture regarding alcohol consumption. Farage recounts the psychological shift following his 2010 plane crash, describing it as a defining moment of survival. Politically, he emphasizes his role in shifting the national debate on issues like immigration and European integration, noting that his primary goal is influencing the political landscape rather than seeking the office of Prime Minister. He remains focused on the potential for Conservative MPs to defect to UKIP depending on the outcome of David Cameron’s upcoming immigration speech.