Nigel Farage's Reform UK is facing mounting challenges in the lead-up to the next general election. Despite consistently leading in national polls, the party's performance in byelections has been more inconsistent. A recent byelection in Makerfield saw Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate, come in second to a Labour-backed regional mayor, raising concerns about the party's ability to translate its national momentum into electoral success. As Farage navigates these challenges, he must also contend with internal questions, including the legitimacy of a £5m gift to the party and the effectiveness of its strategy on voter turnout.
Peer and former cabinet minister Charlie Falconer says PM could have ‘at most weeks to go’Cabinet loyalists tell Starmer he has the weekend to set out timetable for exitA losing streak? Makerfield shows mounting dangers for Nigel FarageFrom Restore and tactical voting to questions over that £5m gift, the Reform leader faces challenges on several fronts, writes senior political correspondent Peter Walker.As those around Nigel Farage are fond of pointing out, Reform UK has now led in more than 300 consecutive national polls. When it comes to byelections, though, it is fair to say the party’s results are more mixed.Yes, Robert Kenyon came second in Makerfield to a popular regional mayor backed by a Labour campaign so relentless that the main risk was annoying voters by knocking too often on their doors. Kenyon also increased his and Reform’s share of the vote from the 2024 general election. Continue reading...
