Nigel Farage once downed whisky before school aged just 14 – and escaped punishment by owning up
The Ukip founder said pals smuggled two half-bottles into class
NIGEL Farage has told how he once downed whisky before school — aged 14.
The Ukip founder, now known for his love of beer, said pals smuggled two half-bottles into class.
One pupil then fell off his chair during registration and was taken to hospital to have his stomach pumped.
But straight-talking Mr Farage escaped a caning from the headmaster by owning up.
He declared: “I suppose that’s why I’ve been up front in politics. I learned very early it’s always better to tell it as it is.”
Mr Farage recalled: “It was one of those pranks schoolkids get up to.
“I took a couple of swigs — I didn’t really like it that much — but some lads had a bit more than they should. There was a lot of noise and giggling but it all turned a bit serious when the teachers called an ambulance.”
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Pupils were quizzed one by one and next morning Mr Farage, now 52, and five others were ordered to the head’s study at Dulwich College, South London, for six of the best.
He said on his LBC radio show: “I was last in line. When it finally got to my turn, the head said ‘Well, Farage. You are a great problem to me.’
“I said ‘I know, sir’, because I was always a troublesome pupil.
“But he replied, ‘No, you don’t understand. When asked if you drank any of the whisky, you were the only person to give an honest answer’.
“And with that, he said he was going to let me off.”