Gráinne Hayes: A Look into the Life of Nigel Farage’s First Wife

Gráinne Hayes may not be a household name, but her connection to British politician and broadcaster Nigel Farage has sparked curiosity among those interested in political history and personal narratives. As Farage’s first wife, Gráinne Hayes was part of his life before his rise to prominence in the UK political scene. Despite maintaining a relatively low public profile, her story remains significant to those tracing the personal and political journey of Nigel Farage. In this article, we explore everything available about Gráinne Hayes, her life, her relationship with Farage, and where she stands today.
Who is Gráinne Hayes?
Gráinne Hayes is best known as the first wife of Nigel Farage. However, unlike Farage, who has remained in the limelight due to his political career, Hayes has largely avoided media attention. Limited public records are available regarding her background, profession, and personal life post-divorce.
Marriage to Nigel Farage

Gráinne Hayes and Nigel Farage married in 1988 before Farage became a prominent political figure. At the time, Farage was working in the financial sector as a commodities trader in London. Their marriage lasted nearly a decade, and during this time, the couple had two children—Samuel, born in 1989, and Thomas, born in 1991.
Divorce and Life After Separation
Gráinne Hayes and Nigel Farage divorced in 1997. The reasons for their separation remain private, as neither party has extensively discussed their relationship in public. However, it is well-known that after their divorce, Farage went on to marry his second wife, Kirsten Mehr, a German national, in 1999. Together, Farage and Mehr had two children before their eventual separation.
Life Away from the Public Eye
Following her divorce from Nigel Farage, Gráinne Hayes chose to step away from public life. Unlike her former husband, who continued to make headlines as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), Hayes has remained out of the media’s focus.
There are no known public records or interviews that provide insight into her post-divorce life, career, or current whereabouts. This deliberate absence from the public sphere suggests that she values her privacy and has no interest in being associated with Farage’s political career.
Connection to Nigel Farage’s Political Career

While Gráinne Hayes was married to Nigel Farage during the early years of his career, she played no known role in his political activities. Farage rose to political prominence long after their separation, primarily through his work with UKIP and later the Brexit Party. Given her absence from media and political discourse, it is unclear what her views are on Farage’s political stance, Brexit, or other political matters.
Public Interest and Media Coverage
Despite being Farage’s former spouse, Gráinne Hayes has not been a major focus of media coverage. Unlike other political figures’ ex-wives, she has chosen to remain completely private, making it difficult for the press or the public to gather any substantial details about her life. This lack of media presence suggests that she has successfully distanced herself from Farage’s political journey.
Family and Personal Life
As previously mentioned, Hayes and Farage share two sons, Samuel and Thomas. Both children have also remained private and have not sought public attention. There is little to no publicly available information about their professions or involvement in politics.
Nigel Farage’s Marriages and Relationships
While this article primarily focuses on Gráinne Hayes, it is worth noting that Farage’s personal life has remained a topic of public interest. After his marriage to Hayes ended, his second marriage to Kirsten Mehr also reportedly faced challenges. In 2017, news surfaced that Farage and Mehr had separated, though they had not legally divorced. Since then, Farage has been linked to other relationships, but he has mostly kept his romantic life private.
Conclusion
Gráinne Hayes remains a private figure despite her past marriage to Nigel Farage. Unlike Farage, who has continued to engage in politics and media, Hayes has successfully maintained a life outside of public scrutiny. For those searching for information about her, details remain scarce, as she has chosen to lead a quiet and personal life away from the public eye. While her connection to Farage is of historical relevance, her own story remains largely untold.
FAQs
Who is Gráinne Hayes?
Gráinne Hayes is best known as the first wife of British politician Nigel Farage. Despite her connection to a prominent public figure, she has maintained a very private life, avoiding media attention and public appearances.
When were Gráinne Hayes and Nigel Farage married?
Gráinne Hayes and Nigel Farage were married in 1988. Their marriage lasted nearly a decade before they divorced in 1997.
Do Gráinne Hayes and Nigel Farage have any children?
Yes, Gráinne Hayes and Nigel Farage have two sons: Samuel, born in 1989, and Thomas, born in 1991. Both children have also remained out of the public eye.
Why did Gráinne Hayes and Nigel Farage divorce?
The reasons for their divorce have never been publicly discussed by either Gráinne Hayes or Nigel Farage. Both have chosen to keep the details of their separation private.
What is known about Gráinne Hayes’ life after her divorce from Nigel Farage?
After her divorce from Nigel Farage, Gráinne Hayes chose to live a private life away from the media and public attention. There are no known public records or interviews that provide insight into her post-divorce career or current whereabouts.