Single-issue campaign groups are curious beasts. They spring up, sometimes overnight, when the need arises. In many cases, they succeed in achieving their stated goal, and all the blood, sweat and tears involved in facilitating change is recognised as worthwhile.
However, there is a bittersweet irony at play during the very moment of triumph. Victory signifies the end of relevance for the organisation in question. The disease being fought against is cured, the social ill identified is obliterated.
Sensible campaign groups recognise the inevitable nature of their demise and respond accordingly by shutting down.
But there is a subset which decide that even if their particular dragon has been slain, the lure of the limelight is too great to surrender. They convince themselves that their cause has not quite been fulfilled that the disease or social ill has only been 98 per cent eradicated and that there is a justification for their carrying on to prevent recidivism.
Such is to be the fate, it would appear, of the Brexit Party, and in particular its leader, Nigel Farage.
In his long career in British politics, Farage has enjoyed outsized influence for a non-mainstream politician. When he joined a tiny irrelevancy called Ukip in the 1990s, Farages belief in what has become known as Brexit never wavered.
Slowly but surely, he built what was a fringe movement into one that catapulted him into the European Parliament, and which became a force of disruption in British domestic politics.
Farage scaled the heights of influence in the 2010 parliament. Ukips vote-winning ability in marginal constituencies was held to be one of the main reasons for the Conservative failure to win a majority in that election.
With a goodly number of his own MPs and members supportive of Farages stance on Europe, Prime Minister David Cameron took a fateful course of action and promised a referendum on EU membership in a bid to stave off discontent.
It worked. The Tories secured a majority in 2015. Cameron called the Brexit referendum, Farage headed the unofficial Leave campaign, and the rest should have been history, with the Ukip leader retreating from active politics to wile away the hours hosting talk radio shows with his new pal Donald Trump, and his party slumping onto the sidelines.
Except that it wasnt to be.
Theresa Mays governments failure to close the door on Brexit gave the ever-opportunistic Farage a way back in. And to be fair, there was a legitimate argument to suggest that Mays Brexit deal involved Britain being a paying rule-taker and not a rule-maker, as the infamous Irish backstop relied on continued EU customs union membership.
The Brexit Party was born to finish Farages life mission, and the pressure it created helped ensure that Mays deal died a death on parliaments floor.
But this is where the hero of our tale or is it villain stumbled. When a new, blond-haired and equally pugnacious champion arose to take on the mantle of Brexiteer-in-chief, Farage found it difficult to move aside.
Boris Johnsons deal with the European Union is everything that Mays was not from a sovereignty perspective. The UK will leave the customs union, and Great Britain the Single Market. There remain regulatory compliance and judicial requirements, but any trading regime including a WTO one will require submission to some form of collective arbitration.
This kind of deal should have been the stuff of dreams for someone who had been advocating British sovereignty for the past 30 years.
Yet Farage has found it hard to adapt and settle on a new position. First he announced that he wanted an electoral pact with the Conservatives, then that Brexit Party candidates would stand nationally, and finally that they would stand only in non-Conservative held seats.
This makes very little sense. If the Conservatives were fitting partners for a Leave Alliance to rival the Remain variant, then Farages initial decision to stand candidates against them could only have been motivated by pique that his attempts to secure a share of real power for once (as opposed to just influence) had been rebuffed.
Nor is his current stance much better. The Leave vote may now be prevented from splintering in Conservative seats, but even a stripped-down Brexit Party presence could threaten a Conservative majority by handing victory in marginals to Remain-supporting parties.
The Conservatives believe that this election is winnable because Leave voters will switch directly from Labour to themselves in parts of the country that have been red for generations. But if the Brexit Party stands, these voters might take a non-tribal option, robbing the Conservatives of victory.
Farage may well claim, erroneously, that Boriss deal is not Brexit, but in so doing he is gambling with Brexit itself.
It is not too late for our latest single-issue party to see sense. It would be the ultimate irony for one of the architects of Brexit to be responsible for its demise. By the time nominations close tomorrow, we will know if it is truly the Brexit cause, or merely his position within it, that Farage values most.
Continue reading here:
In his pursuit of power, Farage is gambling with Brexit itself - City A.M.
- Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling: Learn How to Stop ... [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Remote Gambling Association (RGA) [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2016]
- William Hill Casino Club - Up To 150 Casino Bonus [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2016]
- Gambling - The New York Times [Last Updated On: December 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 31st, 2016]
- Trusted Online Gambling Sites Since 1996 - Online.Gambling.org [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2017]
- Casino Gambling Web | Best Online Gambling News and Casinos ... [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2017]
- Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling - helpguide.org [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2017]
- Industry: Crackdown on illegal gambling in the Philippines now ... - GamingTodaySlotsToday [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Military should screen for gambling disorder, GAO says - Virginian-Pilot [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Gambling with people's autonomy | Liberties | Risk | spiked - Spiked [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Bill introduced to lower age for legal gambling in Nevada - Las Vegas Review-Journal [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- FIFA YouTuber Pleads Guilty To Gambling Charges [UPDATE] - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Gambling Stock Roundup: Macau Sales Rise Again in January, Nevada Records a Drop in December - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Super Bowl sets gambling record at Nevada sports books - Reuters [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Older gamblers face worse odds for addiction - Times Herald-Record [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- How to Handle Gambling Wins and Losses This Tax Season - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- GAO report recommends military members be screened for ... - wtkr.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The Newest Challenge in Gambling: Finding Growth - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Raising a question about gambling prohibition - Dothan Eagle [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- A Creepy Dude Is Your Inner Gambling Addict in These Horrifying PSAs From Tom Tagholm - Fishbowl NY (blog) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Super Bowl Betting Tally Helps Make the Case for Legalized Sports Gambling - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- MLB commissioner admits the league is rethinking its stance on gambling - FOXSports.com [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Why I love fake gambling and in-game casinos according to a psychologist - PC Gamer [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- YouTubers fined for running illegal FIFA 17 gambling site - Ars Technica [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Deducting Gambling Losses on Your Taxes - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Gambling pot grows for Madison County - Utica Observer Dispatch [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- How Vietnam Is Changing Its Gambling Rules To Win Foreign Investment - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- No truth to alleged link between missing Spencerport teen, illegal gambling - 13WHAM-TV [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- The world's biggest gamblers - The Economist (blog) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Idaho House Panel Introduces Bill Limiting Indian Gambling - Boise State Public Radio [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Pennsylvania Omnibus Gambling Bill Presented to House - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Gamblers caught in Hat Yai open-air casino bust | Bangkok Post: news - Bangkok Post [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Men Fined Over FIFA Gambling Operation - Card Player - CardPlayer.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Rob Manfred may change MLB's stance on gambling - SB Nation [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Do you have a mobile gambling/gaming problem? - KMTV [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- OUR VIEW: Transparency needed in gambling operations - Pacific Daily News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- New York State transformation into the gambling big leagues nearly complete with opening of newest casino - The Daily Freeman [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Kenya: Gambling in Kenya Gets Out of Hand - AllAfrica.com [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Gambling Responsibly - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Duterte targets illegal gambling in the Philippines - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- US Grabs Biggest Global Gambling Industry Win Share in 2016 - Casino News Daily [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- UFC 208 odds, gambling guide - MMA Fighting [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Calendar urges gamblers to cut their losses l Dayton, Ohio - Dayton Daily News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Gambling Manga "Akagi" Begins Countdown to Conclusion - Crunchyroll News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Football's gambling problem: You better, you better, you bet - Football365.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- States are gambling with law enforcement safety - The Hill (blog) [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- AFL's gambling ads concern for Cats star - Wide World of Sports [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Celeb Gambling Ring Members Fear They've Been CAUGHT On Wiretaps Making Illegal Bets, Source Claims - Radar Online [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Highway Patrol: Raid of Warren bar uncovers illegal gambling - WKBN.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Scary graph shows how Australians are the biggest losers - NEWS.com.au [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Bato: War on illegal gambling won't be bloody - Philippine Star [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Last holdout Lakewood to vote on repealing video gambling ban - Northwest Herald [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- AFL's gambling ads a concern for Geelong Cats star Harry Taylor - The Age [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Online Casinos Generate A Third Of UK Gambling Dollars - CardPlayer.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Darlington deputies bust gambling house in Hartsville | News ... - SCNow [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Kim Jong Un's gambling half-brother reportedly assassinated - CBS News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- BitcoinCasino.us Ensures Instant Payouts and Responsible Gambling - newsBTC [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Gambling operators are cashing in on teens' addiction to online games - The Canberra Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Americans Lost $116.9B Gambling In 2016: Report - CardPlayer.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Levine: Rick Hahn, White Sox Gambling On Right Trades At Right Time - CBS Local [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Wesfarmers considers pokies exit in bid to tackle problem gambling - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Massive felony gambling raid in Marietta | WAGA - FOX 5 Atlanta [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 'War on gambling' starts with small fry - Inquirer.net [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Edgeless Casino Introduces Revolutionary Transparent 0% House Edge Online Gambling - newsBTC [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- FF12: When is gambling illegal in Kansas? - KWCH [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Osage woman accused of stealing, gambling mother's money - Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- 'Operation Parlay' Leads To Gambling Raid, Arrest - Patch.com [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Pete Rose defends legal gambling: 'Who am I hurting?' - Yahoo Sports - Yahoo Sports [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Cops bust alleged gambling ring being run out of Cobb storefronts - Atlanta Journal Constitution [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Dunlap: State Rep. Gets It Right With Sports Gambling - CBS Local [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Gambling Addiction Treatment Center, Rehab - Non Gambler [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Problem Gambling Online Resources - Drugfreeinfo.org [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Attleboro seeks gambling grant for new dispatch center - The Sun Chronicle [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- House gambling bill teed up for next week - SaintPetersBlog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Firms oppose Bill regulating gambling - Daily Nation [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Tim Simona faces NRL deregistration after alleged breaches of gambling rules - The Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Washington State Gambling Commission [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Online Casino USA Friendly Online Casinos for 2017 [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Records: 70 gambling machines seized, two arrested in Alamo raid ... - KGBT-TV [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Florida House Goes Conservative on Gambling Expansion with New ... - Casino News Daily [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]