How did Nigel Farage help Donald Trump in the US Presidential election, and when did they become friends?
As Downing Street dismisses claims that Nigel Farage will have a major role in relations between the UK and Donald Trump, we look at their own special relationship
THE government has dismissed suggestions that Nigel Farage could have a major role in relations between the UK and Donald Trump.
Theresa May‘s official spokesperson said that the government already had “well-established” channels of communication with the US President-elect’s team, and did not need the Ukip leader to act as a go-between.
Farage has urged the Prime Minister to "mend fences" and played up to his relationships with Trump's team to say he could help improve the special relationship.
But how does Farage know Trump? We reveal all...
Why is Farage backing Trump?
Brexiteer Farage argued that Trump's presidential campaign and his fight for Britain to leave the EU are similar kinds of anti-establishment movements.
Farage said the billionaire's supporters can “beat” the pollsters, commentators and the Washington political elite in the US election.
“And you’ll do it by doing what we did for Brexit in Britain,” he said. “Remember, anything is possible if enough decent people are prepared to stand up against the establishment.”
Farage even appeared alongside Trump at a rally in Jackson, Mississippi.
Trump said at the rally: "What a job Nigel has done against all the odds. Britain voted to deliver their independence and that’s what we’re looking to do in America.
“They voted to walk away from large corporations and politicians who believe in a world without borders.”
Is Nigel Farage friends with Donald Trump?
According to Farage, the President-elect told him they would be "friends for life" after they shared a stage together.
They became pals during Trump's successful run for president and Farage was even nicknamed "Mr Brexit" by his friend.
Farage flew to the US several times over the last few months to take part in the election campaign.
The interim UKip leader helped Trump prepare for the presidential debate against Hillary Clinton and was the tycoon's guest of honour.
Will Farage still be friends with Trump now he is president?
Farage humiliated Number Ten when he became the first overseas politician to meet Trump after he became the President-elect.
The UKIP chief and his top aides had an audience with the billionaire at the garish Trump Tower in New York on Saturday night.
Afterwards the UKIP group tweeted pictures branding themselves the ‘Brex Pistols’.
And Farage twisted the knife by claiming some of the American’s top team had “reservations” about Theresa May’s Government.
Will Farage actually work with Trump?
Ministers have repeatedly dismissed claims made by Farage that Trump is planning to keep him a top job in his government.
Last week Downing Street described Farage as “an irrelevance.”
And the PM confirmed Farage wouldn't be a "third person" in the special relationship.
However, Farage has hinted he could become Trump's ambassador to the EU.
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