The Reform UK party, helmed by Nigel Farage, had a significant presence in the recent electoral proceedings, experiencing both remarkable triumphs and noteworthy defeats. A momentous victory came when Farage himself, who only recently decided to run, succeeded in securing a parliamentary seat in the Clacton constituency, Essex, after seven unsuccessful attempts.
Nevertheless, despite obtaining an impressive 14.3% of the vote, the party only managed to win four seats. In contrast, under the British first-past-the-post system, the Liberal Democrats, having received just 12.2% of the vote, secured 67 more MPs. In a system where seats were allotted proportionately to votes, the Reform party would be represented by over 100 MPs.
Among the others elected for the Reform party were Richard Tice, the past party leader (Boston and Skegness), former Conservative deputy chairman Lee Anderson (Ashfield), and ex-Southampton FC chair Rupert Lowe in Great Yarmouth. All these regions were fervent supporters of Brexit.
Despite the exit poll indicating a prospective win of 13 seats, the party’s fortunes fell short, particularly in Barnsley North where candidate Robert Lomas was rejected due to derogatory comments he made about black individuals.
Regardless, an elated Farage praised the outcome, considering the sudden election announcement by Rishi Sunak had left the party unprepared. The lack of funds, absence of robust organisation, and the barrage of negative media coverage on Farage’s stance towards the Ukraine conflict and allegations of racist comments by some candidates, seemingly had no adverse effects on the end results.
Farage plans to create a massive nationwide movement in the upcoming years, with intentions to present a substantial challenge in the 2029 general election. He noted the conspicuous lack of enthusiasm among voters for Labour and its leader, Starmer, suggesting that nearly half of the vote was in fact, averse to the Conservatives.
He added, “This Labour government will soon face difficulties and our next goal will be Labour’s vote bank. Labour should be unequivocally aware that we are after them.”
Farage is expected to advocate for the abolition of the first-past-the-post system that often puts smaller entities like his at a disadvantage. However, the likelihood of the two dominant parties willingly concurring to a system change that could jeopardize their commanding majorities, despite not having a majority of the votes, is practically non-existent. Critics of Farage will not fail to note his consistent denial of a second Brexit referendum, considering the slim margin of the result. Yet, back in 2011, the proposition to replace the first-past-the-post system was rejected overwhelmingly, by a two to one ratio.