Nigel Farage has declared that Reform UK is 'half-ready' to assume power in Britain, as he acknowledged his party's parliamentary ranks are being bolstered by former Conservatives who have 'lost the argument' within their erstwhile political home.
Reform's Growing Parliamentary Presence
The Reform leader took to social media today to showcase his party's now eight-strong team of MPs, following the recent additions of Suella Braverman, Robert Jenrick, and Andrew Rosindell from the Conservative Party. Farage proudly branded this group 'the party of the future', signalling a confident stance amid shifting political allegiances.
BBC Documentary Reveals Electoral Ambitions
Simultaneously, the BBC released a new documentary featuring Farage, in which he outlined Reform UK's preparations to take power should it secure victory in an election scheduled for 2029 at the latest. 'We are half-way towards being ready', Farage told presenter Laura Kuenssberg, asserting that the centre-right of British politics is increasingly 'uniting around Reform'.
When questioned about whether Reform is merely becoming a refuge for disgruntled Tories who failed to prevail in internal party disputes, Farage responded candidly: 'They have lost the argument in their own parties, you are right, that is why they are coming to us.' This admission highlights the ideological migrations reshaping Westminster's landscape.
Composition of Reform's Parliamentary Group
Of Reform's eight MPs, four were elected as Conservatives in the 2024 general election. Notably, Lee Anderson was formerly a Tory but defected prior to the election and successfully retained his seat. This blend of experienced parliamentarians provides Reform with a foundation of legislative knowledge as it builds its capacity.
Parliamentary Voting Incident Highlights Transition
In a revealing incident, two new Reform MPs were reported to have 'accidentally' sided with the Government during a vote last night on removing the two-child benefit cap. According to Sky News, Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick 'got trapped as the doors were locked' after mistakenly entering the aye lobby.
Parliament's official voting data later recorded them as having voted with the Government, an episode that underscores the practical challenges faced by politicians navigating new party affiliations and parliamentary procedures.
Reform's Policy Stance on Welfare
This voting matter touches directly on Reform's own policy platform. The party has proposed lifting the two-child benefit cap, but only for families where both parents are British citizens and engaged in full-time work. The savings generated for taxpayers under this plan are intended to support initiatives such as helping pubs remain open, illustrating Reform's focus on both welfare reform and community support.
Party leader Nigel Farage had previously pledged to abolish the two-child limit as part of a series of spending promises unveiled in May last year, positioning Reform as an advocate for targeted welfare changes.
Division in the Voting Lobbies
During Tuesday's second reading of the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill, Reform MPs Lee Anderson, Danny Kruger, Sarah Pochin, Andrew Rosindell, and Richard Tice voted against the legislation. The draft law ultimately passed with substantial support, securing 458 votes in favour against 104 opposed, resulting in a majority of 354.
This division not only reflects Reform's distinct policy approach but also demonstrates the party's growing, albeit still minority, presence in parliamentary divisions, as it seeks to influence the national debate from within the halls of power.
