Nigel Farage Declares Reform UK on 'General Election War Footing'
Nigel Farage has today placed the Reform UK party on what he described as a 'general election war footing', vowing that the party will be fully prepared to challenge Labour for power whenever the next national vote occurs. Speaking at a rally in Birmingham, Farage announced that Reform has officially opened its recruitment process for parliamentary candidates, targeting both a potential election later this year and the scheduled contest in 2027.
Reform's Rapid Readiness and Shadow Cabinet Plans
In his speech, Farage asserted that Reform UK would be 'ready' to fight a general election within just two months. He revealed plans to unveil members of his 'shadow cabinet' later this week. While many positions are expected to be filled by former Conservative MPs such as Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, Farage indicated that several roles will be announced for figures currently outside the political sphere.
'As of 3pm today I have opened the books for people to apply to be general election candidates for this party and I put the party on a general election war footing,' Mr Farage declared. 'We will make sure that when that election comes we are ready to fight and win that election.' This move follows his recent comments in a BBC documentary where he admitted Reform was only 'half-ready' for a general election, highlighting a significant acceleration in preparations.
Labour's Internal Turmoil Over Mandelson Appointment
Farage's announcement comes as the Labour Party grapples with a severe internal crisis following the appointment of former minister Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The decision has sparked controversy due to revelations about Mandelson's closeness to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently holed up in Downing Street as the fallout has already claimed the scalp of his former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
MPs are warning Sir Keir that he must demonstrate he 'gets' the crisis and is prepared to lurch to the Left when he addresses a highly-charged meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party this evening. However, there is speculation that the premier might simply opt to walk away, with deadly silence emanating from the most senior Cabinet ministers.
Political Pressure and Upcoming Electoral Tests
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of allowing Morgan McSweeney to 'carry the can' for a decision he ultimately made. Badenoch stated on BBC Radio 4's Today programme: '(Claiming) 'I was badly advised' is not a good excuse for a leader. Advisers advise, leaders decide. He made a bad decision, he should take responsibility for that... Peter Mandelson had been sacked twice for unethical behaviour. He is allowing someone else to carry the can for a decision that he chose to make.'
She added that Starmer's position is now untenable, given his promise of a 'whiter than white' government. This internal Labour strife coincides with two critical political crunch points in the coming months: the Gorton and Denton by-election later this month and the local and devolved assembly elections in May.
Sir Keir faces the potential loss of a seat in Greater Manchester that Labour won by 13,000 votes in 2024, and the party could be on course for significant hammerings in Scotland, Wales, and English council votes. Earlier, Farage commented on social media: 'Labour are just continuing the chaos we saw under the Tories. My money says Starmer won't be far behind after Labour's disaster in the elections this coming May.'
The convergence of Reform's aggressive election preparations and Labour's deepening internal crisis sets the stage for a volatile political landscape, with both parties navigating pivotal moments that could reshape British politics in the near future.
