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Nigel Farage's wife says they have lived 'separate lives for some years'

The former UKIP leader's wife issues a statement after it emerges he is sharing his home with another woman.

Nigel Farage and his wife Kirsten
Image: Nigel Farage and his wife Kirsten
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Nigel Farage's wife has said she and the former UKIP leader have been living "separate lives for some years".

German-born Kirsten Farage gave a statement saying her husband had moved out of the family home in Kent "a while ago" after reports he is sharing his London home with another woman.

Mrs Farage, with whom the MEP has two daughters, said the split was something that "suits everyone" and was "not news to any of the people involved".

It comes after it emerged Mr Farage was sharing a house in London with French politician Laure Ferrari, who runs the Institute for Direct Democracy in Europe (IDDE).

Kirsten Farage
Image: Kirsten Farage pictured at the family home in Kent without her wedding ring

He told the Mail on Sunday Ms Ferrari was someone he had "known well for a long time" and he was helping her out because she needed somewhere to stay for a week.

On Monday, Mrs Farage issued a statement saying: "My husband and I have lived separate lives for some years and he moved out of the family home a while ago.

"This is a situation that suits everyone and is not news to any of the people involved."

More on Nigel Farage

The former city bond trader and Mr Farage married in 1999. She had worked as his secretary - on a £27,000-a-year salary funded by the taxpayer.

The former UKIP leader has regularly referred to the couple's marriage in response to those who have accused him of racism and in a rare interview in 2014 she said that she would not be married to him if he was.

She also admitted during the same interview, with the Daily Telegraph, that there was "not much time for family life" because of his hectic schedule as party leader.

Laure Ferrari entered politics after a chance meeting with Nigel Farage
Image: Laure Ferrari entered politics after a chance meeting with Nigel Farage

Ms Ferrari first became involved in politics after meeting Mr Farage while she was working as a waitress in Strasbourg 10 years ago.

UKIP denies the claim, which is currently being investigated by the Electoral Commission.

Ms Ferrari told the Mail On Sunday: "I have no trustworthy friends in London who could have hosted me.

"I asked and he accepted. He is just trying to be helpful."