Nigel Farage claims Reform UK has 200,000 members and has warning for Labour

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, recently announced that his party has surpassed 200,000 members, with ambitions to overtake the Labour Party’s total of 309,000. Speaking at a regional conference in Wiltshire, Farage described the party’s growth since its founding in 2021 as “truly extraordinary.” Reform UK, which emerged as a re-launch of the Brexit Party, has gained momentum rapidly, with Farage confidently stating that it is on track to become “the biggest political party in this country.” The party’s live membership ticker, displayed on a screen behind him during his speech, served as a visual reminder of its progress. Farage emphasized that surpassing Labour is not just a goal but a clear target, reflecting the party’s growing influence in British politics.

Reform UK has already outpaced the Conservative Party, which reported 132,000 eligible members during its leadership election last November. Farage took a moment to address past doubts about his party’s membership numbers, specifically referring to a disagreement with Kemi Badenoch, the new Conservative leader, who had questioned the legitimacy of Reform UK’s figures. Farage assured the audience that the party had invited independent verification, confirming that its membership numbers are “absolutely legit.” He also reflected on the broader significance of Reform UK’s rapid growth, framing it as a sign of a deeper desire for change among the British public. “People want real political leadership,” he said, adding that the party’s success shows “something is happening in this country.”

Reform UK’s rise has been fueled by its strong performance in recent elections. Last year, the party polled over four million votes and won five seats, including Farage’s own constituency in Essex. Initially, Farage had ruled out standing for election, but he later reversed his decision, citing a “terrible sense of guilt” for not offering to run. This U-turn underscores his personal commitment to the party’s cause and its growing relevance in British politics. In another sign of its growing threat to the main parties, Reform UK recently topped a poll of people who voted Conservative in the last election, signaling potential further gains.

Farage used his speech to criticize the Conservative Party, accusing it of betraying the country through policies such as open-door immigration, increased taxes, and failing to deliver on Brexit. He emphasized the impact of immigration on the UK, arguing that a 10 million increase in the population over the past 20 years has devalued living standards for everyone. He highlighted the strain on public services, citing the example of millions of people who arrived under Boris Johnson’s leadership, with only 20% contributing through work while the rest rely on taxpayer support. “It’s an outrage,” he declared, calling for urgent action to address the issue.

Reform UK’s key platform revolves around immigration and population control. Farage outlined the party’s stance clearly: “Anyone that comes here illegally will be deported. Simple as that.” He also emphasized Reform UK’s opposition to further population growth through immigration, framing it as a unique and necessary position in British politics. “We’re the only party that says ‘no more population increase through immigration for many years to come,’” he said. In a emotive appeal, he linked this policy to the pressures on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure, arguing that the UK cannot sustain its current trajectory.

Looking ahead, Farage’s vision for Reform UK is ambitious and unapologetic. He positioned the party as the only viable alternative to the failed policies of the mainstream parties, calling for radical change to address the challenges facing the UK. With its rapidly growing membership, strong electoral performance, and clear policy platform, Reform UK is increasingly poised to disrupt the political landscape. As Farage concluded, the party’s success reflects a broader desire for leadership and change, making it a force to be reckoned with in British politics. Whether Reform UK can achieve its goal of becoming the largest political party remains to be seen, but its impact is already being felt.