Nigel Farage: A Prime Minister in the Making? The Reform UK Leader’s Ascent

[Social Media]

 

Nigel Farage arrives in Hull with the energy of a seasoned performer on a comeback tour. Just days earlier, he had been in the U.S., addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, where he shared the stage with Jordan Peterson and witnessed Steve Bannon deliver what some interpreted as a Nazi salute. From there, he had traveled straight to Cornwall for a Reform UK mini-conference, a gathering that saw protests erupt and, according to Farage, left his security chief with missing teeth after a violent confrontation.

 

Now, he’s in Hull, the latest stop in his mission to establish Reform UK as a major political force. The enthusiasm among his supporters is palpable. A crowd of 2,300 has gathered, each paying a nominal fee to secure their place and prevent protesters from taking seats without showing up. The big draw of the evening isn’t just Farage’s speech but the announcement of Reform’s candidate for mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire—a figure insiders describe as “big in Hull.”

 

Farage kicks off the day with a visit to Allam Power, a factory founded by the late Egyptian businessman Assem Allam, former owner of Hull City FC. Accompanied by his press aide Dan Jukes and a team of security personnel, he steps out of a black Mercedes. As soon as they enter the building, both men are eager for a cigarette. When asked why he still smokes, Farage quips, “I’m not giving the puritans the satisfaction.”

 

Seated in the boardroom, Farage is surrounded by local business figures, including Assem Allam’s son Ehab and financier Johnny Abraham, who helped him secure a Lloyds bank account after he was debanked by Coutts in 2023. Farage, now 60, remains a striking figure: trim, dressed in a Barbour jacket over a blue suit, and sporting Union Jack socks—a staple of his wardrobe. He is instantly engaging, his personality a mix of charm, humor, and casual defiance. Unlike Labour leader Keir Starmer, often perceived as cautious and restrained, Farage exudes a confidence that resonates with his audience.

Reform UK’s Rise and Challenges

Reform UK has surged ahead in the polls, overtaking both Labour and the Conservatives. Farage’s personal approval rating is now higher than that of Prime Minister Kemi Badenoch. The party is expected to make significant gains in the upcoming local elections, particularly in former Labour strongholds across England, Wales, and Scotland.

 

Despite these gains, Farage acknowledges that Reform remains “a concept party.” While it has secured a foothold in Parliament with five MPs, it lacks the institutional infrastructure of the established parties. To address this, Reform is expanding its London headquarters and building a grassroots network following the Liberal Democrats’ model. “Paddy Ashdown used to say you need ten councillors before you can have an MP,” Farage notes.

 

During a factory tour, Farage listens as local businessmen voice their frustrations over high energy costs, excessive regulation, and what they perceive as government inefficiency. The conversation turns to Hull’s struggling high streets, and Farage controversially claims, “Turkish barbers, we know what they are—money launderers for drug dealing.” No one in the room challenges the assertion.

 

His disdain for government intervention is clear. He criticizes national insurance hikes, dismisses Labour’s workers’ rights bill as harmful to business, and argues that the welfare system discourages employment. “Our voters have alarm clocks,” he says, emphasizing that Reform’s support base consists of working people frustrated with the status quo.

 

Farage’s worldview extends beyond domestic policy. Over lunch—beef Wellington and red wine—he discusses his affinity for Donald Trump, whom he describes as “terrific fun” and “very real.” He believes Trump’s policies on immigration and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) align with the views of many British voters, even if they dislike his personality. Farage also hints at a doomsday mindset, revealing that he owns a home generator and invests in gold. “I’m ready,” he says with a laugh when asked if he’s a prepper.

Reform’s Political Identity

As he prepares for the evening’s rally, Farage describes Reform as being at “the center of public opinion.” He distances himself from Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), despite past associations. “I sat with a couple of them whom I liked and still like. But there are many in the AfD I wouldn’t contemplate working with,” he says.

 

Reform has faced criticism for its vetting process after several of its 2024 election candidates were linked to extremist views. Farage acknowledges the challenge, noting that when the British National Party (BNP) was active, it absorbed most of the far-right elements. “Now they try to come to us,” he admits.

 

His stance on immigration remains a cornerstone of his appeal. He calls for the UK to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights and to deport illegal migrants without exception. “We just dump them back on France’s beaches,” he says bluntly, dismissing concerns about diplomatic fallout.

 

Farage also acknowledges that Reform’s support skews male but claims recent growth has brought more female members. He cites Andrea Jenkyns, a former Conservative MP now standing as Reform’s candidate for mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, as evidence that women are playing a growing role in the party.

The Road to Downing Street?

Farage believes the Conservative Party is finished. “Kemi will be lucky to survive past June,” he predicts. He also dismisses Starmer as weak, though he recognizes that Labour is adapting to Reform’s rhetoric on crime and immigration.

When asked whether he could become prime minister, Farage doesn’t hesitate. “There’s a good chance, yes,” he says, estimating the odds at “about 35 to 45 percent.”

A Party in His Image

As the crowd gathers for his speech, the atmosphere is electric. Reform supporters, mostly older and overwhelmingly white, have traveled from across Yorkshire to hear him speak. On stage, he delivers his trademark blend of populist rhetoric and humor, condemning rising crime, uncontrolled immigration, and government failures. “Why don’t we start putting Britain first—in everything?” he asks, to roaring applause.

 

The night’s big reveal is the introduction of Reform’s Hull mayoral candidate, Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell. The boxing champion receives an enthusiastic welcome, but his speech is hesitant. “I am not a politician…” he admits. When asked about his priorities, he replies, “I will ask the people of Hull.” His inexperience highlights the challenges Reform faces in developing a political team beyond Farage himself.

 

Despite its momentum, Reform remains, at its core, a vehicle for Farage. His personal brand, more than policy details or political structure, is what keeps supporters engaged. Whether that is enough to make him the next prime minister remains to be seen. But if nothing else, Nigel Farage is enjoying his time in the ring.

 

Based on a report by The Times  2025-03-17

 

 

[wombat]

in the making?

id say its a gallop with what the present pm is doing to uk

[Peterphuket]

Judging by the coverage, he is not as popular as he used to be.
For myself, he was a pleasant person when he was replying to the clique in the EU

[mfd101]

Rightwinger is, for me, OK as long as rational & civilized.  Not sure that entirely fits Farage.

 

 

[newbee2022]

The Americans got their fool already, so why not UK? They have already experience with clowns.

[FlorC]

Farage was great to stand up against the EU and getting the brits out , but he is no Trump and does not have a sidekick like Musk

to tackle the even bigger and deeper and older British deep state.

Britain can't be saved. Too far gone.

Who said you can't be responsible for your fathers sins ?

The colonies of the british empire are sending their troops/people to invade Britain.

[SunnyinBangrak]

4 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Farage was great to stand up against the EU and getting the brits out , but he is no Trump and does not have a sidekick like Musk

to tackle the even bigger and deeper and older British deep state.

Britain can't be saved. Too far gone.

Who said you can't be responsible for your fathers sins ?

The colonies of the british empire are sending their troops/people to invade Britain.

Farage talks a good fight, but he had the chance to speak up for the young man in prison for journalism and exposing the SA gangs, but no. Sorry Nigel, the trust is gone.

[newbee2022]

46 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Farage was great to stand up against the EU and getting the brits out ,

Probably you're the only one who could see any advantage in it.

As far as I know it's just the opposite.

This happens if you follow fools.

[SiSePuede419]

8 hours ago, Social Media said:

where he shared the stage with Jordan Peterson and witnessed Steve Bannon deliver what some interpreted as a Nazi salute

International White Rubbish. 🔥

[Patong2021]

1 hour ago, wombat said:

in the making?

id say its a gallop with what the present pm is doing to uk

 

In case yoou missed it, Reform is imploding. There is a nasty feud playing out. Elon Musk is backing MP Rupert Lowe to take over  Reform.

[hotandsticky]

Just now, Patong2021 said:

 

In case you missed it, Reform is imploding. There is a nasty feud playing out. Elon Musk is backing MP Rupert Lowe to take over  Reform.

 

 

Keep watching...................I doubt that your wish will become a reality.

 

 

Farage is the only one who can develop into some sort of credible statesman.

[Patong2021]

1 minute ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Keep watching...................I doubt that your wish will become a reality.

 

 

Farage is the only one who can develop into some sort of credible statesman.

ok. Maybe you should let Elon know, Rupert too.

[transam]

Farage is like Trump, a salesman, gift of the gab.....🤕

 

Also Trumps lackey, he canvassed for him, though been very quiet lately in that department..........🤭

 

[youreavinalaff]

My concern with Farage and Reform being in charge would be lack of policies outside of immigration.

 

The two policies they did have for the last election, raising minimum wage to £15 and raising tax threshold to £20000, are even more worrying.

[quake]

4 years more in politics, is a very very long time.

He will swat the flies around him and rally the troops

Then take his rightful place as PM.

 

 

[Brian J]

3 hours ago, wombat said:

in the making?

id say its a gallop with what the present pm is doing to uk

Given the stinking mess Starmer inherited after 13 years of graft, corruption and incompetence by Tories, what were you expecting in 3 months?

In 13 years Tories doubled the national debt that had taken over 100 years to accumulate. From 1 tn in 100 years to 2 tn in 13 years.

UK now pays an extra 200m per day ( alone ) interest servicing this financial disgrace. Truss did more damage in 30 days than Hitler managed in 6 years.

Who can forget Brexit will mean an extra 300m per week to NHS?? The at least 200bn Covid black hole where cronies and bag men looted treasury at govt becking.

Russian oligarchs buying up central London and titles and then laundering their money again with OK of Boris and co.

The NHS is on its knees, all the infrastructure built with endeavour of post war political architects is now a feeding trough for grubby, venal Tory backers.

Farage is from exact same background as these Tory bumlickers. He is a self serving, smarmy, hypocritical commission pimp.

He couldn't run a raffle.

Is he still living in his overseas pied a Terre with his non English wife?

[Chomper Higgot]

41 minutes ago, quake said:

4 years more in politics, is a very very long time.

He will swat the flies around him and rally the troops

Then take his rightful place as PM.

 

 

It’s also a long time to be drinking heavily and chain smoking.

 

Those are blow flies swarming around him.