Nigel Farage Claims Foreign-Born Voters Cost Reform By-Election Victory

Nigel Farage has claimed Reform UK was denied victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election because of votes cast by foreign-born residents, arguing that Britain’s electoral rules are undermining democracy.

Writing after Reform lost the Manchester contest by 4,402 votes, Farage said his party had “won among British-born voters” and described the result as “the most glaring example yet” of the impact of mass immigration and current voting eligibility laws.

Under existing rules, qualifying Commonwealth citizens — including those from Pakistan — can vote in UK elections if they are legally resident and registered at a UK address.

Greens Accused of Sectarian Campaigning

The by-election was won by the Green Party, whose deputy leader Zack Polanski had focused campaigning on Gaza. The Greens circulated campaign material in Urdu and were accused by opponents of appealing directly to Muslim voters.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said sectarian politics were beginning to “unravel the culture of tolerance that makes Britain great.” The Green Party has rejected allegations of wrongdoing, calling them an attempt to undermine a democratic result.

‘Family Voting’ Allegations Under Investigation

Independent observers reported record levels of so-called “family voting” — where one individual accompanies another into a polling booth and allegedly influences their choice. The practice was criminalised in 2023.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are reviewing a report submitted following the vote.

Dr Patrick Nash, an Oxford-based academic, suggested there was a correlation between cousin marriage and allegations of bloc or family voting, though such claims are contested and politically sensitive.

BBC Accused of Underplaying Claims

The BBC faced criticism from some Conservatives for not giving greater prominence to the allegations on its flagship programmes. Shadow ministers accused the broadcaster of failing to adequately scrutinise potential electoral offences. The BBC said it reflected the claims across its news output.

Farage Pledges to End Commonwealth Voting Rights

Farage said he would abolish the right of Commonwealth citizens to vote in UK elections if he became prime minister, arguing that only British citizens should decide British political outcomes.

He warned that failure to address the issue risks entrenching sectarian divisions and reshaping future elections.

The row has intensified pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer after his party finished third in the contest, fuelling internal criticism and wider debate about electoral integrity and community politics in modern Britain.

SOURCE

Hey Nigel, what will you say when millions of fleeing Iranians head for Europe, and the number of small boats crossing the channel increases tenfold?😆

When you behave like this people will write you off as unable to represent British and Commonwealth citizens. It makes him look proud to be racist.

2 hours ago, Purdey said:

When you behave like this people will write you off as unable to represent British and Commonwealth citizens. It makes him look proud to be racist.

I think he's already written off any chance Reform might have had. Thankfully.

Oooops, he did it again....🎶

On 3/1/2026 at 7:38 AM, Purdey said:

When you behave like this people will write you off as unable to represent British and Commonwealth citizens. It makes him look proud to be racist.

Many are.

On 3/1/2026 at 2:38 PM, Purdey said:

When you behave like this people will write you off as unable to represent British and Commonwealth citizens. It makes him look proud to be racist.

What do you mean 'look'?