Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is seeking to regain momentum for his party amid ongoing internal and external challenges. Speaking on Thursday at Doncaster racecourse, Farage reflected on a recent health check and acknowledged a turbulent period for the party marked by scrutiny and investigations.
Reform UK has faced intense examination over finances and conduct. A parliamentary inquiry is underway regarding a £5 million undeclared donation from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, with Farage reporting he was interviewed last month by the parliamentary commissioner for standards. The inquiry centers on whether Farage should have declared the donation, which he says was intended to cover lifetime security costs. The leader denied any wrongdoing but acknowledged that a negative finding could lead to suspension from Parliament and potentially trigger a by-election in his Clacton constituency, which he won most recently in August.
The party has also been embroiled in controversy following reports about convicted fraudster George Cottrell providing support services to Farage and the suspension of two senior aides caught on undercover footage discussing methods to bypass election laws on foreign donations. The Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations of breaches related to foreign funding.
Farage’s return to the campaign trail coincides with a notable security development. Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old suspected of murdering Reform member Ann Widdecombe, has been charged with plotting terrorism against Farage. Despite these pressures, the leader has organised Reform’s first rally since last month’s annual conference and is promoting a policy agenda focused on stopping small boat crossings, increasing the income tax personal allowance, reducing energy bills, and reforming higher education within the party’s first 100 days in government.
Polling data indicates Reform has lost some ground, with rival parties, including the Conservatives, catching up or surpassing it in projected seat counts. Farage attributes the dip partly to his own reduced visibility following the Clacton by-election and party upheavals, an “endless diet of negativity” in the media, and competition from the hard-right Restore Party. Restore, founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, now polls around 4%, with Farage acknowledging it has siphoned support from Reform, though he dismisses Lowe’s motives as driven by revenge.
Internally, Reform UK has undergone significant reorganisation over the summer, resulting in “painful” departures of key members, though Farage insists this does not include Dan Jukes and James Orr, who resigned after the allegations of circumventing foreign donation rules but deny wrongdoing. Sources describe three main factions within Reform: Farage’s close circle, operational staff at the Millbank headquarters, and former Conservative members, with some reported tensions between figures such as Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick and Home Affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf.
Farage continues to defend his association with Cottrell, denying claims of undue influence or improper arrangements while acknowledging the latter as a personal friend who occasionally offers support. He strongly rejects suggestions that he has stayed at Cottrell’s residence, characterising the allegations as “monstrous.”
Financially, Reform UK is better positioned than ever, having raised a record £72 million from two cryptocurrency billionaires, Harborne and Ben Delo. This sum vastly exceeds previous political donations in the UK and is viewed by party insiders as a historic boost, allowing Reform to compete more effectively against established parties. Farage indicated the funds are being used to enhance the party’s digital outreach, including the relaunch of “Reform TV” on YouTube, and to professionalise communications efforts without competing with his weekly show on GB News.
Despite internal fissures and public scrutiny, Farage remains optimistic about the party’s prospects. He expressed confidence that Reform will retain support in former Labour strongholds in the north, pointing to the party’s gains in Yorkshire, where it finished second in ten constituencies in 2024 and achieved significant local election victories last year. As Reform navigates its current difficulties, Farage appears determined to reassert his leadership and position the party as a formidable force ahead of the next general election.