Reform UK (formerly the Brexit Party) is experiencing a surge in both support and direct membership, drawing in Brexit-backing voters amid a sharp decline in backing for Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party, according to a PeoplePolling survey.
Monday’s cabinet reshuffle has sparked disappointment in the right of the Tory party, with both Suella Braverman and Therese Coffey exiting cabinet, and a shock return to frontline politics for former Prime Minister David Cameron.
Many former Conservative members have indicated that they may now be joining Reform, in a significant overnight shift.
‘Lots More To Follow’
Speaking to The Epoch Times, Reform leader Richard Tice reacted, saying, “We are delighted with our first double digit poll.”The ex-MEP and businessman added that there would be “lots more to follow.”
In a satirical Tweet last night, Mr. Tice said “thank you” to the prime minister for Reform’s boost in membership and polling, claiming that Mr. Sunak’s efforts “have meant over 700 new members have joined since yesterday morning,” and that fresh donations had been made to the party.
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former Cabinet minister, also expressed his scepticism yesterday about the impact of the reshuffle on the Tories’ electoral prospects, hinting that it might play into the hands of the Reform Party.
David Moore, of the Orthodox Conservatives Group think tank, told The Epoch Times that he saw Reform UK as, “a political coalition of disgruntled Tories who will inevitably rely on a 2015-style UKIP protest vote.”
Mr. Moore, a senior researcher at the socially conservative think tank, voiced his concerns that Reform “may even deny the Conservative Party a number of seats.”
Despite this admission, Mr. Moore, who works in the heart of Westminster alongside Tory MPs, blasted the party as being “populist” and leaning toward One Nation conservatism, with little electoral power.
Reform ‘Mediocre’ Without Farage
“However, without Farage, they remain mediocre and somewhat powerless amongst the political giants of Conservative and Labour.“Similar to UKIP post-2015, first past the post rendered them incapable of entrenching into our political system.”
Following the government’s setback in the Supreme Court today on its Rwanda policy, Mr. Sunak will once more come under pressure to prove his credentials on immigration, with the key policy issue being flouted as a selling point in Reform’s marketing ahead of the election cycle.
Mr. Tice took to X to react, claiming that Mr. Sunak “has been humiliated” by the ruling. Claiming that Mr. Sunak “has no plan B,” he demanded a general election be called immediately.
Mr. Tice went on to claim that “only” the Reform party had a plan to leave the ECHR and “stop the boats.”
A ‘Refreshing Contrast’ For London
“Reform UK, in refreshing contrast [to the major parties], is getting more and more traction with London’s electorate because they do have the hard-nosed solutions necessary to make London prosper and be safe for residents, workers, and tourists,” he said.Speaking on what separates his policy angles from that of the major parties, Mr. Cox added: “Khan’s days are definitely numbered. The Tory mayoral candidate does not have any vital policies to get London’s economy flourishing, roads moving freely and in reducing rampant crime either.”
With turmoil brewing in the Tory party following the reshuffle and murmurs that letters of no confidence in the prime minister may reach a tipping point, Reform UK will be hoping that their popularity continues to surge in the coming weeks.
