Why Jordan Bardella is Farage’s French connection

👉Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app👈  

Lots of 30-year-olds are career-driven, ambitious types - but perhaps none more so than French far-right politician Jordan Bardella.

The sharp-suited, clean-cut leader of France's National Rally party is tipped as a future prime minister - or even president - of one of the UK's closest allies.

He's also been the star of the show at the Reform party conference in Birmingham - signing a deal on small boats with his admiring counterpart, Nigel Farage.

So, who is Bardella? And why would a party like Reform - that denies being far right - consummate such a close relationship?

Niall Paterson is joined by Dr Philippe Marliere, a professor in French and European politics at University College London.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

(c) Sky News 2026: Why Jordan Bardella is Farage’s French connection