The upcoming by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, triggered by former Labour MP Mike Amesbury’s assault conviction, was supposed to be a golden opportunity for Reform UK. However, the party has found itself embroiled in an internal conflict, undermining its chances in what could have been a pivotal moment to challenge Labour’s governance.
At the center of the controversy is Rupert Lowe, a Reform UK candidate who has been portrayed by some as a divisive figure. Yet, in a recent interview with Dan Wootton, Lowe came across as anything but a “deranged thug.” Instead, he appeared as a classic, likeable Tory—a businessman with a passion for Spitfires and a concern for local issues like ammonium nitrate pollution off the coast of Great Yarmouth.
The interview, however, took a bizarre turn as Wootton, formerly of GB News and now hosting his own YouTube channel, delved into conspiracy theories. Viewers were asked to vote on who they disliked more: Bob Geldof, Yvette Cooper (described by one viewer as “beholden to Muslims”), or Zia Yusuf, chairman of Reform UK, who was accused of being a “World Economic Forum plant” (a supposed closet communist, not a garden variety).
The conversation spiraled further into allegations of a “deep state” plot, with some suggesting that Nigel Farage, the lifelong anti-establishment figure, might actually be a tool of the establishment. This theory, as outlandish as it sounds, reflects the conspiratorial mindset that has taken hold among certain factions of the Right.
Lowe, for his part, remained calm and focused, dismissing the idea of leading the Conservatives or becoming prime minister as unrealistic, citing his age and the pervasive influence of “Big Nitrate” (a tongue-in-cheek reference to the ammonium nitrate issue). His wife, he noted, is fed up with the drama, and frankly, so are many observers.
The infighting within Reform UK highlights the challenges faced by smaller parties trying to gain traction. Instead of presenting a united front, the party has been distracted by internal squabbles and conspiracy theories. Rather than calling the police on Lowe or engaging in public spats, Reform UK would do well to resolve its disputes privately and focus on the issues that matter to voters.
As the by-election approaches, Reform UK must demonstrate humility and discipline if it hopes to capitalize on Labour’s vulnerabilities. Otherwise, it risks squandering a crucial opportunity to prove itself as a credible alternative.
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