Nigel Farage has claimed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has "chosen suicide over obliteration" with his election announcement.
The former UKIP leader also hinted that he may return to politics, saying he will "think about it overnight."
Rishi Sunak announced that there would be a general election on July 5, saying that he had spoken to the King.
The shock announcement came after months of speculation as to when the election will take place.
Nigel Farage hinted that he may return to politics, saying he will "think about it overnight."
GB News
Speaking to Tom Harwood on GB News, Nigel Farage said: "I think the timing of this general election has got a lot to do with me.
"He was scared. He'd heard rumours, true or not, that I was going to go back into the frontline political fray.
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"If he gave me a six-month run against the worst, most insincere Conservative Prime Minister in history and the most boring house party guest as leader of the Labour Party.
"I think Reform was a very big factor in this decision."
He added: "The Prime Minister has chosen suicide over obliteration. They're going to lose whether they get 150 seats, or 186. I have no idea. They feared if they left it for six months. It could be 50 seats. It could be the end of the Conservative Party after 200 years as we know it."
The former UKIP leader said: "They deserve to lose the election. I hope they lose the election. I helped them in 2019 more than any other human being. The formation of the Brexit Party removed Theresa May and dropped the Tories down to nine per cent in the polls."
Sunak announced the election today
PA
He elaborated: "Richard Tice has got [Reform] up and running and there are 500 candidates selected and he will get more.
"The whole plan for Reform was it was a six-year plan. Fight this election and get ready for when Labour fail.
"Starmer's first cabinet will not have the confidence that Tony Blair's first had by an absolute mile.
"As for what I do, I will think about it overnight...no commitment from me either way."
Nigel said that his is making "no commitment either way"
GB News
In the announcement outside parliament today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "This hard earned economic stability was only ever meant to be the beginning, the question now is how and who do you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family, and our country?
“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty. Earlier today I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Tonight the Prime Minister has finally announced the next general election. A moment the country needs – and has been waiting for. And where, by the force of our democracy, power returns to you.
"A chance to change for the better. Your future. Your community. Your country. It will feel like a long campaign – I’m sure of that – but no matter what else is said and done, that opportunity for change is what this election is about."