Needy Nige becomes publicity averse to give Reform conference Tice’s kiss of death

Reform leader’s unwillingness to answer questions on £5m ‘donation’ leaves Dicky to serve up not-so-special guests

It’s been 50 days since the last Reform press conference. In Nigel Farage time, that’s at least five Californian marriages. He has been known to do two, sometimes three, pressers in a week. Not because he has anything important to say, but because he is impossibly needy. Nige is a man who usually only knows he’s alive if there’s a camera recording his every movement and utterance. His narcissism demands constant attention.

And yet, for reasons we are assured are definitely not related to his unwillingness to answer questions about his £5m donation/birthday present/bung – feel free to take your pick – from Thai crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, Nige has recently become publicity averse. Fluttering his eyelids, mouthing “I want to be alone”. Only doing interviews with media organisations who promise not to ask anything awkward.