Ernest
Stupid IDIOT
Sounds to me like he actually had no confidence in over half of the assorted nutjobs, bellends, racists, conspiracy theorists and general wankpuffins he was putting forward as candidates.
I'm not sure, however, that it makes more sense. 317 is not a majority and there is now a risk of a semi-competant Brexiteer splitting the right wing vote in Labour held marginals.
Still, just goes to show you can't trust a single word that Farage says.
Nice little earner from all the £100's they have taken from people who wished to stand as Brexit Party candidates as well