Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has welcomed 29 councillors who have defected to his party in recent weeks, boosting the party’s total number of council seats to over 100. The defectors come from various parties, including the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, signaling Reform UK’s growing influence. Farage described the defections as evidence of the party “broadening and deepening” its reach.
However, the party faces internal challenges, including concerns over leadership and the suspension of MP Rupert Lowe. Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, was suspended and referred to police over allegations of making “threats of physical violence” against party chairman Zia Yusuf, as well as accusations of bullying in his office. Lowe denies the allegations, claiming he was suspended for criticizing Farage in a media interview.
Farage acknowledged the “turbulence” within the party but downplayed its impact, stating that the issues were “very much at the edges” and would not hinder Reform UK’s electoral prospects. He also condemned the “online abuse and outright racism” directed at Yusuf.
The defections come as Reform UK prepares for local elections on 1 May, with plans to contest all available council seats. Of the party’s 113 councillors, 15 were elected, while 98 joined through defections—62 of which occurred since the start of 2024. The majority of defectors (66) were originally Conservative councillors, with others coming from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and independent or local parties.
Farage emphasized his goal of “professionalizing” Reform UK and ensuring rigorous vetting of candidates. However, the party faced further scrutiny after reports surfaced that its head of vetting, Jack Aaron, had praised Adolf Hitler in 2022 for his ability to inspire people. Farage dismissed calls for an investigation into the comments as “ridiculous.”
Despite internal disputes, Reform UK remains focused on its electoral ambitions, aiming to capitalize on its growing support base and challenge established parties in the upcoming local elections.
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