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Return of Farage?: UKIP is still a force - on Twitter

  • Published
    9 June 2017
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Meme, questioning why Farage has to returnImage source, @laurabennett80
By Sam Bright
BBC Trending

There's one place where UK Independence Party is racking up big numbers: social media.

Like during the 2015 general election, UKIP has been at the centre of attention on Twitter. But in 2017, it's for a very different reason, and the tone of discussion has changed. Whereas two years ago they picked up more than 12% of the vote, this time around their share has collapsed, and gloating opponents have been chatting about the party since the polls closed.

However, UKIP still views itself as the bastion of Brexit, and its leading figure - Nigel Farage - has made waves on social media again over this issue. In an election-night interview with the BBC, Farage said that he would have "no choice" but to return to front-line politics if Brexit was threatened.

This has pushed Farage's name onto Twitter's top trends list, with many users lamenting the potential return of the former UKIP leader.

Tweet angrily reacting to Farage's potential returnImage source, @alisonmeagher
Tweet: Farage is a dinosaurImage source, Twitter/@hrtbps

The trend seems to be driven mostly by UKIP opponents, though there are many people who are celebrating the prospective return of Farage.

Tweet, saying "we need you Nigel"Image source, @davidjo52951945
Farage as KnightImage source, Twitter/@EvilSidekeck

While others questioned the amount of airtime given to the former UKIP leader.

Tweet: can we have less of Farage please?Image source, Twitter/@Helen121

Blog by Sam Bright

You can follow BBC Trending on Twitter @BBCtrending, external, and find us on Facebook, external. All our stories are at bbc.com/trending.

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