Not a full post here today, but instead a link to my piece for The Conversation, posted today, about Nigel Farage’s decision not to stand in the Newark by-election. As I conclude:

“Ultimately, Farage’s Newark demurral tells us a lot about UKIP. It highlights the opportunistic way the party has exploited the news cycle to its advantage, even if its capacity to act is limited, and the importance that it attaches to all media coverage. It also reminds us of Farage’s crucial role in the party: without him, it would be in a very different position today.

And finally, it tells us about the ongoing failure of the media (and many political figures) to understand the impact of a party that has tapped a deep reservoir of discontent with public life – and which will present considerable challenges to the entire political establishment for some time yet.”