Nigel Farage has drawn parallels between the rise of Reform UK and Donald Trump's sensational electoral victory, highlighting the growing discontent among Conservative voters. This sentiment echoed during a packed rally held in North West Essex, Kemi Badenoch's constituency, where Farage declared to supporters, "the Tories should be bloody scared of you."
This rally saw speeches from four of Reform's five MPs, illustrating the party's increasing visibility and influence. Adding to the tension, recent polling indicates Reform UK may have overtaken the Conservatives—Techne UK has the party at 24%, edging past the Tories at 23%, with Labour leading at 26%. Farage's remarks emphasized the parallels he sees between Reform's policy proposals and Trump's own platform from last July, indicating they could similarly invoke change.
"We’re beginning to see a wave crossing the Atlantic," Farage told the audience, referencing Trump's policies. "People look at us and say ‘like Trump, these people will get things done’. Believe me, we will. This isn’t just going to be an earthquake in British politics; this is going to be the biggest historical political change this country has ever seen."
Discontent with the Conservatives has grown, particularly among lifelong voters. Alan Goldsmith, 85, shared his frustrations: "I've been voting Conservative all my life... I will never ever vote Conservative again because they’re unbelievable idiots. They still haven’t realized what’s wrong. They’re as thick as two short planks."
Badenoch, for her part, has dismissed Reform UK as "a protest party," attempting to downplay its significance. On the same day as the rally, she remarked during her visit to Cheshire, "It’s not surprising protest parties are gaining... I’m here talking about the family farm tax. That’s much more important than having a rally about myself."
This flurry of activity follows strained relations between Badenoch and Farage, particularly after she accused him of “fakery” over claims about Reform's membership numbers exceeding the Conservatives'. Farage retorted dismissively at the rally, stating, "You don’t look very fake to me. You look very real, and I tell you what, the Opposition should be bloody scared of you."
While polling results spark enthusiasm among Reform’s supporters, the Conservative Party is taking steps to mitigate the growing unease among its base—and its funding. Reports indicate there is concern within Conservative Central Headquarters (CCHQ) about losing high-value donors to Reform UK, particularly under Badenoch's leadership, which some insiders feel has been lackluster. The Tories are set to host events aiming to court wealthy contributors, acknowledging the potential risks posed by Reform’s newfound popularity.
Some Conservative donors express skepticism about the effectiveness of the current leadership's approach to fundraising. Sir Rocco Forte, who previously contributed significantly to the Tory party, noted, "It’s not yet clear what the Conservative party is doing, and for me and many other people there is a big question mark... A lot of what Reform is saying is pointing in the right direction, and I admire Farage, who has momentum at the moment."
Issues of trust and the desire for concrete actions resonate with younger voters drawn to Reform's promises. Harrison Grose, 22, also at the rally, indicated he planned to stand for election with Reform. He stated, "It’s about striving to achieve... Time and time again voters have been told by the Conservatives ‘We’re going to reduce mass migration’ and I think it’s time some of this gets done."
Farage’s rally is positioned not just as support for his party, but as potential electoral strategy against Conservative incumbents. With Badenoch holding a slim majority of just over 2,600 votes, the risk for the Tories looms larger with Reform capitalizing on dissatisfaction among voters, particularly those who perceive the government has strayed from its foundational principles.
Stoked by reformist rhetoric and fervent grassroots engagement, the political atmosphere continues to shift, making 2025’s general election increasingly unpredictable. Political analysts suggest Reform's momentum could complicate the traditional right-leaning vote, possibly enabling Labour to reclaim seats previously deemed secure for the Conservatives.
While some have dismissed Farage's ambitions, the current climate signals something more than just typical electoral discontent. It highlights a fundamental shift within British political dynamics, where the rise of parties like Reform UK is not merely about protest but could hint at broader societal calls for change.