Arrests Made After Banana Milkshake Thrown at Nigel Farage in Clacton

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, found himself the target of a milkshake attack while campaigning in Clacton, Essex. The incident, which occurred outside the Moon and Starfish pub on Marine Parade East, resulted in the arrest of two individuals by Essex Police.

On the afternoon of June 4th, as Farage emerged from a Wetherspoons pub, a banana-flavored milkshake was thrown at him. The beverage’s sticky impact marked the start of a tumultuous campaign launch for Farage, who was seeking to become Clacton’s Member of Parliament. The scene quickly turned chaotic, with supporters and detractors alike reacting to the unexpected spectacle.

Essex Police swiftly responded to the incident. A 25-year-old woman from Clacton, identified only as Victoria, was arrested on suspicion of assault. According to her statement to the BBC, she acted because she felt Farage did not represent her or the local community. Meanwhile, a man was also detained on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker during the arrest process. Both remain in custody for further questioning.

The attack elicited a wide range of reactions. Labour’s Yvette Cooper condemned the assault, stating, “No one should face intimidation or assault in an election campaign.” Farage’s Conservative opponent in Clacton, Giles Watling, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the right of all candidates to campaign without fear.

Despite the initial shock and displeasure evident on his face, Farage attempted to turn the incident into a light-hearted moment. He was later seen buying a round of McDonald’s milkshakes in nearby Jaywick, quipping, “My milkshake brings all the people to the rally,” a playful nod to the famous Kelis song. However, the underlying issue of security for parliamentary candidates remains a serious concern.

This is not the first time Farage has been targeted in such a manner. In 2019, he was similarly pelted with a milkshake in Newcastle, which led to a furious outburst directed at his security team. The recurring nature of these incidents raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures for political figures.

Farage’s campaign in Clacton marks his eighth attempt to secure a seat in Parliament. During his speech prior to the milkshake incident, he declared the election “over,” predicting a Labour victory and criticizing the Conservative Party for betraying voters’ trust. His remarks highlight his ongoing commitment to influencing British politics, despite the hurdles he faces.