The Reform UK leader has commented on appearing as a burning effigy during Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations.

The Clacton MP, who was elected to Parliament for the first time in 2024 after multiple failed bids, was speaking from his campaign vehicle prior to addressing a gathering at the South of England Showground in West Sussex.

Farage described seeing his effigy torched as a source of personal pride, adding that he wished he had witnessed it in person and found the entire spectacle impressive.

The politician was singled out during last year’s festivities in the town frequently referred to as the bonfire capital of the globe. The display, crafted by the Cliffe Bonfire Society, featured a mannequin resembling Farage carrying a drink and cigarettes while guiding two figures wearing spiked collars on ropes. The exhibit was largely viewed as referencing the wave of far-right disturbances that occurred earlier in 2024. The effigy also depicted Farage with a red armband and two men, one hooded, shown hurling bottles and bricks.

Farage likened the occurrence to an experience shared by the Reverend Ian Paisley, who also witnessed himself burned in effigy during his political career. The Northern Irish religious leader was a controversial and influential militant Protestant figure who established the Democratic Unionist Party. Farage recalled Paisley telling him he derived pleasure from watching his own effigy set alight, with Farage responding that he would take inspiration from that attitude.

The traditional Lewes celebration incorporates torchlight processions and burning crosses. The event remembers the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and commemorates local religious martyrs. Farage voiced frustration that authorities were attempting to manage attendance at the fiercely autonomous gathering. He expressed dissatisfaction that police were discouraging people from participating in the historical commemoration, suggesting officials viewed it as some kind of outdated tradition.

Sussex Police had urged members of the public to avoid travelling to the area due to road closures and premature railway shutdowns, with anticipated attendance exceeding 30,000 people during the 2024 observance.