Nigel Farage has made it clear that “bigots” and “extremists” have no place in Reform UK as he looks to professionalise the party after its recent electoral successes. Speaking at the party’s annual conference in Birmingham, Farage stressed that Reform UK is “coming of age” following its victory in securing its first MPs in the July elections. However, he admitted that the party’s lack of professionalism had resulted in some controversial candidates slipping through, due to inadequate vetting processes.
Party’s Focus on Professionalism
Farage acknowledged that the party’s amateurish approach to candidate selection had been a weakness, leading to some setbacks. He promised that future elections would see stricter vetting of candidates to ensure the party avoids further embarrassment. With this change, Reform UK aims to avoid past mistakes and focus on representing what Farage calls the “silent majority.” Farage expressed confidence that with more professionalism, Reform UK could have secured even more seats in July’s elections.
In an effort to strengthen its position on the national stage, Farage announced plans to target winning “hundreds” of local council seats in the upcoming May elections. He believes that by building a stronger presence at the local level, the party will be better positioned for future national elections, following the strategy of the Liberal Democrats in growing their political influence.
Reform UK’s Electoral Journey
Formerly known as the Brexit Party, Reform UK rebranded itself in 2021, following the UK’s departure from the European Union. Now focusing on issues such as reducing immigration, tougher crime policies, and lowering taxes, the party is seeking to establish itself as a permanent force in British right-wing politics. In July 2024, Reform UK won five seats in Parliament, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Ahead of the conference, Farage revealed he would relinquish ownership of Reform UK, which was originally set up as a private limited company. This structure had allowed the party to avoid being infiltrated by extremist groups, a common problem for new political organisations. However, as the party grows and matures, Farage stated it was now time to give members more influence in its decision-making processes.
Growth and Challenges Ahead
Addressing the 4,000-strong crowd at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham—Reform UK’s largest gathering to date—Farage reiterated his commitment to professionalising the party. He promised a “rigorous” vetting process for all future candidates, ensuring that no extremists could disrupt the party’s work. Farage acknowledged that a few “extremists” and “teenage tantrums” had caused problems during the general election, but insisted that Reform UK has now moved beyond this phase and is ready to mature into a credible political force.
With the party’s membership numbers climbing to 80,000, Farage declared that Reform UK is ready to embrace its role as an adult in British politics. He highlighted the growing disillusionment with traditional parties, stating that Reform UK is well-positioned to offer a fresh alternative, adding that the “sky is the limit” for the party’s future.
As Reform UK sets its sights on local council victories and continued national success, Farage’s message is clear: bigotry and extremism have no place in the party’s future as it seeks to expand its influence and professionalism.
