4 days ago
Nigel Farage hides from public in Hamilton by-election campaign visit
The Reform UK leader was in Aberdeen on Monday morning, his first visit to Scotland in six years, where he held a press conference and was due to head to Hamilton for a walkabout later in the afternoon.
But, journalists were left waiting in a Premier Inn car park in the town, with no sign of the Reform UK leader.
Protesters also targeted the Reform UK campaign office in Hamilton.
He was due to arrive for a press call at 2.15pm, but did not show.
READ MORE: Scottish Labour councillor defects to Reform UK
By around 3.30pm, members of the Scottish press had begun to leave the agreed meeting point and started to head to the Reform UK campaign office in the town, where Farage was rumoured to be.
A note on the form to apply for media accreditation said: "Thank you for applying for media accreditation to our upcoming campaign day in Hamilton with Nigel Farage.
"This will take place on Monday 2 June. Arrive 14:00 for a prompt 14:15 start. Meeting point to be confirmed to accredited journalists."
Farage posted a picture of himself with Reform UK activists at 3.30pm, writing: "Arrived at our campaign HQ in Hamilton".
It is understood that the photograph was taken at the back of the campaign HQ, which journalists could not access.
Protesters could be heard shouting "No show Nigel" outside of the campaign hub.
It is understood that Farage left Hamilton.
Earlier, Farage was pictured campaigning in Larkhall with candidate Ross Lambie and newly defected Scottish Labour councillor Jamie McGuire.
Out and about in Larkhall with @CllrRossLambie. Come and say hello! 🏴 — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) June 2, 2025
Later in the afternoon, protesters could be seen arguing and shouting at each other as anti-racist and pro-Reform activists clashed outside the campaign hub.
It comes after Farage accused The Herald of conspiring with protesters in Aberdeen and clashed with the press.
Reform UK have been contacted for comment.
