The Reform UK party, led by Brexit figure Nigel Farage, has undergone significant transformation and may reshape the UK political landscape. After a surprising third-place finish in the previous general election, Reform secured five parliamentary seats and is now poised for substantial gains in upcoming local elections. The party, originally founded as the Brexit Party in 2018, has shed its image as a single-issue movement, distancing itself from far-right European counterparts and removing controversial members. Farage, alongside chairman Zia Yusuf, has professionalized the party, established headquarters in Westminster, and attracted wealthy former Conservative donors. Reform claims 225,000 paying members and could win up to 450 council seats on May 1, potentially surpassing the struggling Conservative Party to become Labour’s main rival. Farage is expanding the party’s policy platform to address broader national issues like healthcare and economic stagnation. Despite internal criticism and controversy, including the suspension of one MP, Reform is gaining credibility and financial backing, prompting discussions of a potential merger with Conservatives among some right-leaning donors.

Source: Reuters