Nigel Farage is said to have unleashed an angry confrontation with the editor of The Times in a dramatic clash that has stunned even figures close to the Reform UK leader. The heated exchange reportedly included an expletive aimed at editor Tony Gallagher after Farage learned the newspaper planned to publish a story about his properties.

Farage is said to have argued that the report endangered his family. According to a source with knowledge of the encounter, the exchange ended in "a strong confrontation", exposing growing tensions between Reform UK and sections of Britain's right-leaning media.

The reported row comes at a delicate moment for Reform. Newspapers that were once seen as potential allies have adopted a noticeably tougher tone following scrutiny of Farage's funding, finances and high-profile byelection campaign in Clacton.

In recent days, The Times, The Sun, The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail have all published coverage that has proved uncomfortable for Reform. While the Telegraph has allowed party figures to voice complaints about the media, it has also described Farage's "people versus the establishment" Clacton campaign as a "summer gamble" and even a farce.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also used the Telegraph to take aim at Reform, declaring that the Conservative Party "is for serious people, not a retirement home for failed politicians" in a swipe at former Tory figures who have joined Farage's party.

The Daily Mail carried a favourable interview with Farage, but on the same day its editorial argued Reform's fortunes had shifted sharply after two byelection defeats and growing questions surrounding the party leader's financial affairs.

Only a year ago, Farage had been actively building relationships with News UK executives and editors. He attended the company's summer party, dined with The Sun editor Victoria Newton and watched Reform's "Britain is broken" slogan appear prominently on the newspaper's front page.

The mood has changed dramatically. Veteran Sun political commentator Trevor Kavanagh wrote that the country was witnessing "the sudden death" of the political movement that evolved from UKIP to the Brexit Party and finally Reform, adding simply: "Nigel Farage."

Despite the criticism, Reform insiders insist they have legitimate concerns over The Times' decision to publish a photograph of a property where one of Farage's children lives. They argue the recent death of Ann Widdecombe has reinforced their concerns about security.

A senior News UK figure is said to have reached out to Farage in an effort to arrange a meeting. However, a Times spokesperson firmly defended the newspaper's reporting, saying it stood by its journalism and rejected claims that the published image identified the property's location or created any security risk.

Farage's separate decision to invoke the Leveson Inquiry has also angered senior figures across the right-wing press. Many editors viewed the remarks particularly negatively after the Daily Mail recently celebrated its legal victory over claimants, including Prince Harry, in litigation concerning alleged unlawful information gathering.

One senior editor claimed Farage had shifted from courting broad media support to rallying his core supporters through attacks on the press, comparing the strategy to "Trump world". Reform figures insist they are unsurprised by the tougher coverage, arguing the right-wing press has always been "a fair-weather friend."

Political analysts say relations remain fluid. Professor Des Freedman of Goldsmiths, University of London, said newspapers remain fascinated by Farage but are now more willing to criticise him because they no longer see him as an entirely reliable ally. While the Daily Express has remained supportive, continued scepticism elsewhere on the political right could complicate Reform UK's broader ambitions for power.

Farage’s furious clash with Times editor stuns figures close to him

He's so rattled, he has been exposed, he can only react with aggression and vitriol. His true colours are shining through and he is toast.