FORMER UKIP leader Nigel Farage has responded to rumours claiming he is about to join the Democratic Unionist Party.
The 54-year-old Brexiteer is expected to speak at a DUP fundraiser in Belfast tonight.
The appearance sparked speculaton of a move by Farage to join the Northern Irish party - who have consistently supported the UK's departure from the EU.
Arron Banks, the millionaire who funded UKIP and co-founded the Leave.EU campaign, did not deny the pair were planning to join the DUP during an interview on Sky News.
Is @Nigel_Farage about to do an Enoch Powell and join the DUP? Speaking from Belfast ahead of a DUP fundraiser @Arron_banks wouldn't rule it out.
— Adam Boulton (@adamboultonSKY) May 11, 2018
He said: “That’s something you’ll have to ask Nigel. We’re attending a DUP fundraiser this evening and I’m not really able to comment on that.
“But I’m sure Nigel will have comments at the dinner.
“But I think he’s mainly focused on the Brexit border issues, and I’m sure he’s going to make his feelings known.”
However, Mr Farage played down speculation he could link up with Arlene Foster and co. in order to enter Parliament earlier.
Happy to be on my way to Northern Ireland having worked with the DUP in the referendum.
I was elected as a UKIP MEP. I lead the EFDD group in Europarl and none of that is going to change!
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) May 11, 2018
"Happy to be on my way to Northern Ireland having worked with the DUP in the referendum," he tweeted.
"I was elected as a UKIP MEP. I lead the EFDD group in Europarl and none of that is going to change!"
Tonight's fundraiser is being hosted by DUP MPs Ian Paisley Jr, Sammy Wilson and Paul Girvan.
Mr Paisley tweeted: "Looking forward to welcoming my great friend @Nigel_Farage to my North Antrim constituency tonight to talk about Brexit and Beyond.
"I notice the media fever over this already. I welcome many guests from many parties to North Antrim and Nigel will love the place and it's people."
