In a surprising turn of events, Nigel Farage, the prominent politician known for his role in championing Britain's departure from the European Union, has announced his candidacy for the upcoming election as a member of the right-wing Reform UK party. This decision comes as a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and has the potential to impact the political landscape.

Farage, who had initially stated that he would not run in the July 4 vote to assist his friend Donald Trump during the US election later this year, has now changed his mind. He revealed his intention to stand as a candidate for the anti-immigration party in a Eurosceptic seat in southeast England, and also announced his return as the party leader.

During a press conference in London, Farage emphasized that his change of heart was not a sign of weakness but a display of strength. The unexpected nature of the announcement showcased his political theatrics, leaving even senior members of the Reform party unaware of the conference.

Farage's decision to run is predicted to bolster Reform UK's prospects in the election. In recent campaigns, he has actively engaged with young voters, recognizing what he perceives as a rejection of the political establishment that has been absent for decades.

Despite being unsuccessful in seven parliamentary attempts, Farage remains one of the most influential British politicians of his generation. Over the years, he has applied pressure on successive prime ministers to adopt tougher stances on European Union policies and immigration.

Notably, in the 2019 general election, Farage's party opted not to contest seats held by the Conservative Party, led by Boris Johnson, to prevent dividing the pro-Brexit vote. However, current polls indicate that the opposition Labour Party is on track for victory, with the Conservatives facing one of their worst results in history.

Reform UK's national support currently stands at around 10 percent, giving them the third highest vote share, according to polls. Farage has expressed his hopes of attracting votes from Labour supporters, asserting that the Conservatives are already overwhelmed.

In response to Farage's candidacy, Conservative leader Rishi Sunak has attempted to win over voters who may be tempted by Reform UK. He has proposed policies like tax cuts for pensioners and the reintroduction of national service. Sunak, when asked about his concerns over Farage's entry into the election, stated that a vote for Reform would assist the opposition Labour Party in winning the election.

With Farage's surprise candidacy, the political landscape for the upcoming election has been shaken. The question remains as to how his presence and Reform UK's rising popularity will affect the outcome, particularly in the face of Labour's current momentum.