Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage found himself at the receiving end of a milkshake attack shortly after launching his election campaign in Clacton, Essex.
The incident occurred outside a Wetherspoons pub in the town, where Farage had just officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming election.
Video footage captured the moment Farage was doused with what appeared to be a McDonald’s banana milkshake as he exited the Moon and Starfish pub.
The attack left the 60-year-old politician visibly soaked in the yellow liquid, marking an unexpected start to his electoral bid.
Following the incident, reports emerged that two individuals had been arrested in connection with the milkshake attack. Among them was a 25-year-old woman from Clacton who was apprehended at the scene on suspicion of assault.
Just Nigel Farage getting a beer chucked at him pic.twitter.com/txnioRDyrD
— RobGoff (@robertagoffin) June 4, 2024
Additionally, another individual was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. Both suspects remain in custody for questioning.
The milkshake was thrown directly at Farage’s face from close range, causing the liquid to splash onto surrounding bystanders.
Despite the disruption, Farage, accompanied by Reform UK chairman Richard Tice, continued with his campaign activities, albeit with a visibly wet suit.
Farage’s decision to stand in the July 4 election in Clacton-on-Sea and assume leadership of Reform UK following Richard Tice’s resignation preceded the milkshake incident.
In response to the attack, Tice condemned the assailant, asserting that such actions only strengthen their resolve to continue campaigning.
This isn’t the first time Farage has been targeted with a milkshake during a political event.
A similar incident occurred in Newcastle in 2019, where the perpetrator was subsequently ordered to pay for Farage’s suit-cleaning expenses after pleading guilty to assault and causing criminal damage.
Farage, known for his vocal stance on Brexit, used the opportunity to criticize the Conservative Party during his campaign rally.
He accused them of betraying voters over Brexit and urged supporters to elect him to parliament so he could challenge the Conservatives’ policies.
Despite the milkshake incident, Farage appeared in good spirits afterward, joking with journalists outside his bus.
Referencing the popular song lyrics, he quipped, “my milkshake brings all the people to the rally,” while holding a McDonald’s drink.
NEW: Nigel Farage had what appeared to be a milkshake poured over him as he left Clacton Wetherspoons pic.twitter.com/sCMfdubMIs
— Harry Horton (@harry_horton) June 4, 2024
The incident has sparked debate on the use of milkshakes as a form of protest, with some condemning it as an assault on free speech, while others view it as a harmless act of dissent.
Regardless, the incident has put Farage’s campaign in the spotlight and raised questions about security measures for political candidates during public appearances.
