Reform UK held a press conference on Wednesday to launch their campaign for the upcoming general election, but the party’s honorary president and former leader Nigel Farage was notably absent.
According to Express, Reform UK leader Richard Tice stated that Farage is “still assessing” what role he may play in the election. “I’m very confident that Nigel will play a formal role in the campaign, but he’s still considering what exactly that should be,” Tice said.
The party has pledged to stand candidates in every constituency across England, Scotland, and Wales. Tice categorically ruled out doing any deals with the Conservatives.
In his speech, Tice warned that a Labour government under Keir Starmer would lead to “Starmergeddon” and drag the country back toward closer ties with the EU.
“We are facing economic incompetence and cultural pillage under Labour,” Tice stated. “The Conservatives have broken Britain through uncontrolled immigration and betrayal of Brexit voters.”
Tice positioned Reform UK as the only party representing the interests of the working class on issues like immigration, net zero policies, and the cost of living crisis.
There has been ongoing speculation that Farage may return to frontline politics, but his plans remain unclear. Tice claimed Conservative MPs are pleading with Reform UK not to stand candidates against them.
When asked if Reform UK could help Labour win by splitting the Conservative vote, Tice said he would be “pleased to punish the utter failure of the Conservative party.”
Recent polls have put support for Reform UK as high as 11%. The party believes it can pick up disaffected Conservative voters frustrated over issues like immigration.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced pressure over immigration issues, especially on his pledge to clear the backlog of asylum cases.
Critics have accused Sunak of overstating his progress on cutting the backlog. Immigration seems likely to be a key issue during the election campaign.
The Conservatives have described Reform UK as a bigger threat than Labour in the upcoming election. Tice remains defiant, saying Reform UK aims to “save Britain.”
Sunak faces a bleak economic outlook heading into the election. Forecasts suggest minimal or no GDP growth in 2024 alongside ongoing inflationary pressures.
Sunak may opt to delay the election until later in 2024 if the economy shows signs of improvement. But he must call the vote by January 2025 at the latest.
Recent polls have given Labour around a 20 point lead over the Conservatives. Reform UK’s impact on the election remains uncertain.
Tice is positioning Reform UK to pick up disgruntled Brexit supporters and traditional Labour voters. This could split the right-leaning vote and benefit Labour.
Sunak is gearing up for a tough electoral fight. His party is still recovering from months of chaos under Liz Truss and Boris Johnson. With Farage’s plans unknown, Reform UK remains a wild card in the election.
Speaking to the media, Farage stated “As the honorary president of Reform UK, I want the party to do as well as possible.”
When pressed on his future plans, he remained vague. “I’m still assessing what role is best for me to play. A good poker player never shows his cards early. I’ll make an announcement at the appropriate time.”
Farage’s dominant shareholding in Reform UK ensures he retains significant influence over the party’s direction. While he declined to confirm whether he will stand as a candidate, Farage promised he is fully committed to Reform UK’s success.
Responding to accusations that Reform UK could act as an enabler for a Labour victory, Tice strongly disagreed.
“We must punish and oust the Conservatives for their abject failure,” he stated. “I’m focusing on success before the election, not hypotheticals afterwards.”
“Immigration is rapidly becoming the number one issue for voters again,” Tice said. “We are the only party with credible policies to finally get it under control.”
As Sunak braces for a difficult election, open warfare has broken out between Reform UK and the Conservatives.
Tice shows no signs of backing down from his pledge to stand candidates across the whole country. With Farage pondering a return to frontline politics, the scene is set for a bitter battle on the right.
Voters opposed to Labour but dissatisfied with Sunak’s leadership now face an intriguing choice. Reform UK offers a radical anti-immigration vision while the Tories promise steady if uninspiring management.
With the economy struggling and Labour riding high, Sunak faces a huge challenge to remain as Prime Minister. But Tice and Reform UK also have everything to prove. Farage’s decision whether or not to join the fray could prove decisive.
