Nigel Farage has hinted about his political future (Image: Getty)
Rishi Sunak has received a major general election boost after Nigel Farage hinted about his political future.
The former UKIP leader has suggested he will not return to frontline politics at the next general election as he pointed to "attractive options" in the US that might keep him away from returning to a full-time role with Reform UK the party he co-founded in 2018.
It is thought the Conservative Party is fearful Farage joining Reform would boost the rival party's popularity by leading their election campaign.
The hint comes after Thursday's Blackpool South by-election, in which the Conservatives only beat Reform by 117 votes in a contest won by Labour.
But speaking to the Telegraph from the US, Farage said he felt the next US election would be more important than the one in his home country.
READ MORE Nigel Farage spotted using disabled parking spot for 45 minutes to do M&S shop
Stay up-to-date with the latest Politics news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Rishi Sunak will be relieved after Nigel Farage hinted he would not run in the next election (Image: Getty)
He said: "Yes, we've got an election year, but the biggest election in the world is taking place here. While I'm not ruling out anything in the UK completely, I think where I am this week is an indication of my thinking."
Farage was asked if he was closing the door on a UK political return, with the 60-year-old politician adding "that is a good summation", while not totally ruling out a return.
He added: "As I've said for some time, I'm weighing up a lot of options. Perhaps I'm in the fortunate position that I have a lot of attractive options this side of the pond."
Don't miss...
Nigel Farage gives biggest hint yet that he might not run in general election [LATEST]
Reform dismiss claims Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage are in talks [REVEALED]
Nigel Farage claims Reform can take 'almost the whole Conservative vote' [REPORT]
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
He added: "The Republicans really treat me like an American, they really do. I've been commuting back and forth politically for a long time."
Farage is backing Donald Trump for re-election and hailed how "everything here feels so much more positive".
He spent last week in the US while voters in England and Wales went to the polls in local, mayorla and police and crime commissioner elections, as well as in the Blackpool South parliamentary contest.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Lee Anderson takes brutal swipe at Rishi Sunak after Tory election drubbing
Comments
Nigel Farage beats Penny Mordaunt as best Tory leader in stunning new poll
Comments
There is only one way the Tories can win and it's not by being soggy centrists
Comments
Rishi Sunak insists Tories can deliver a brighter future as he braces for election rout
Comments
Reform dismiss claims Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage are in talks over a political pact
Comments
Tory rebels kill plot to oust Rishi Sunak with one joking 'we're off down the pub'
Comments
Tory MPs demand Cabinet reshuffle after election - with Suella Braverman urged to return
Comments
Nigel Farage claims Reform can take 'almost the whole Conservative vote' at next election
Comments
'What are you suggesting?' Nigel Farage loses it with Sadiq Khan over blistering attack
Comments
Penny Mordaunt in 'detailed discussions' with top Tories over PM succession
Comments
Lee Anderson hails new poll as Reform UK closes in on Tories
Comments
Lee Anderson takes brutal swipe at Rishi Sunak after Tory election drubbing
Comments
Nigel Farage beats Penny Mordaunt as best Tory leader in stunning new poll
Comments
There is only one way the Tories can win and it's not by being soggy centrists
Comments
Rishi Sunak insists Tories can deliver a brighter future as he braces for election rout
Comments
Reform dismiss claims Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage are in talks over a political pact
Comments
Tory rebels kill plot to oust Rishi Sunak with one joking 'we're off down the pub'
Comments
Tory MPs demand Cabinet reshuffle after election - with Suella Braverman urged to return
Comments
Nigel Farage claims Reform can take 'almost the whole Conservative vote' at next election
Comments
'What are you suggesting?' Nigel Farage loses it with Sadiq Khan over blistering attack
Comments
Penny Mordaunt in 'detailed discussions' with top Tories over PM succession
Comments
Lee Anderson hails new poll as Reform UK closes in on Tories
Comments
Lee Anderson takes brutal swipe at Rishi Sunak after Tory election drubbing
Comments
Nigel Farage beats Penny Mordaunt as best Tory leader in stunning new poll
Comments
There is only one way the Tories can win and it's not by being soggy centrists
Comments
Farage told the Telegraph: "I think the conservative movement in America has got the wind back in their sails.
"I think the causes they're fighting are similar to ours. There is a huge level of cross-over. It is just an exciting place to be at the moment."
Related articles Richard Tice hails ‘outstanding’ Reform results as party hammers Tories Labour wins Blackpool by-election but Tories beat Reform by just 117 votes Lee Anderson in furious clash with BBC's Nick Robinson Lee Anderson takes brutal swipe at Rishi Sunak after Tory election drubbing Richard Tice is clear - Reform UK will 'smash the Tories'