The probably not left wing Piers Morgan has described Farage as ‘dead in the water’ over the £5m. Obviously I hope he’s right and it has to be said that for once it seems to be sticking. He’s still terrified of being asked about it and he can’t avoid scrutiny forever.
There has been speculation that should any punishment be enough for recall petition (which is a racing certainty to trigger a by-election) he could/would use it as a relatively easy ‘out’. I think Reform would implode without him, ultimately it’s a personality cult and the various dregs of the Conservatives and other assorted loons left in it would turn on each other in an instant.
All comes back to the point that has been made here and elsewhere, does Farage actually want the job? A lot of work, no time for grifting and nowhere to hide when the scrutiny comes.