Nigel Farage 'deserves a place in history' for his role in Brexit
NIGEL FARAGE "deserves a place in history" for his extraordinary achievement in first gaining and then helping to win the EU referendum, Michael Portillo has claimed.
The Ukip leader, who has announced his intention to resign, dedicated his political career to removing Britain from the EU.
Mr Farage has said he will continue to help other eurosceptic parties across Europe, including those in Italy and the Netherlands.
Speaking on BBC’s This Week, the former shadow Chancellor said: "Because of the catastrophic blunder committed by David Cameron, Farage deserves a place in history.
"He was the man who spooked the Prime Minister. He had a party that had zero seats [in Parliament].
Nigel Farage played a major role in the debate over Britain's EU membership
He spooked the Prime Minister into holding a referendum that he then lost
"He now has one seat. He spooked the Prime Minister into holding a referendum that he then lost.
"Farage is responsible for this country leaving the European Union.
"It is an extraordinary achievement."
Following the successful Brexit campaign, Mr Farage has repeatedly warned he fears Westminster will try to avoid honouring the result of the referendum.
Announcing his shock resignation Mr Farage vowed he would guard against any "backsliding" or "appeasement" by ministers implementing Brexit.
Michael Portillo was speaking on BBC show This Week
Questioned about the chances of returning to frontline politics he said: "Let's see where we are in two and a half years’ time.
"I don't need to be leader of Ukip. I can be part of that 2020 campaign if we don't get what we want."
Mr Farage admitted the decision to quit had not been straightforward.
He added: "I do feel a degree of part-ownership of the Ukip brand and the journey we've been on.
"Letting go of that is not an easy thing to do but I think right now it's the right thing to do."