Nigel Farage is set to address Reform UK’s first major rally on Friday, November 8 in Newport, South Wales, following Donald Trump’s surprise election victory. This move signals the British populist right’s ambition to strengthen its foothold, leveraging its association with the president-elect.
Farage’s appearance comes after his recent visit to Mar-a-Lago, where he attended Trump’s victory celebration alongside figures expected to play significant roles in the new U.S. administration.
The Reform leader’s offer to act “behind the scenes” to build ties with Trump’s incoming administration, though declined by Labour, highlights his intention to position himself as a key intermediary for UK-US relations.
Populist Support Surges Across Far Right
Farage’s party, Reform UK, has seen itself as the British counterpart to the populist wave Trump represents. However, Trump’s victory has also energized various far-right factions. Tommy Robinson, the controversial activist currently serving time for contempt of court, posted a pre-recorded message celebrating Trump’s win on his X account, saying, “I’m in my prison cell doing cartwheels.”
Robinson’s supporters have urged Trump to press UK Labour leader Keir Starmer to release Robinson, whom they described as a “political prisoner.” They have also tagged Elon Musk, who reinstated Robinson’s account on X and has interacted with him online.
Robinson’s Urban Scoop platform provided “live coverage” of the U.S. election, featuring interviews with right-wing figures like libertarian millionaire Patrick Byrne. Byrne, who has supported pro-Trump campaigns and funneled substantial funds into far-right groups in the U.S., underscored the transatlantic links between right-wing movements.
Farage Eyes Boost, Emulates Trump’s Strategy
Despite the far-right celebrations, Reform UK is uniquely positioned to potentially capitalize on Trump’s victory. Party insiders are hopeful for a spike in membership following the U.S. election result.
Drawing inspiration from Trump’s coalition-building, Farage’s party aims to unite disillusioned “left behind” voters from former industrial areas, rural constituencies, and even segments of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities.
However, Reform’s strategy diverges in certain respects. While Trump’s campaign famously bypassed traditional media, some senior Reform members still see the value in maintaining a presence in mainstream outlets.
Joe Mulhall, director of research at Hope Not Hate, emphasized that Farage’s relationship with Trump is key to increasing his political influence. “With Farage, there is already a sense that he will seek to exploit his relationship with Trump in terms of political heft and weight,” Mulhall said.
He added that Musk’s potential influence as a political actor should not be underestimated, particularly given his interactions with figures like Robinson.
Mulhall pointed out that Trump’s win has emboldened the far-right in the UK by presenting an example of success.
“The far right, whether they’re on the streets or in politics, have to sell a utopian idea to people. But with Trump as president, they are able to effectively point to an actually existing example of what they want to do.”
Joe Mulhall
This, he argued, lends credibility and a sense of achievability to their messaging.
Farage’s Long Game with Trump Pays Off
Former Reform UK communications head Gawain Towler believes Farage’s unwavering support for Trump will now bear fruit. “Trump is personal and personable and he does remember things. So that is now going to come into play,” Towler said.
He highlighted the broader dynamic of the media and political establishment’s disdain for Trump-style candidates and the voters who support them, both in the U.S. and the UK.
Towler added that Farage, while in the U.S., observed Reform’s recent political success: the government’s reversal of a proposed ban on smoking and vaping in pub gardens, a move he cited as a victory for the party. “It’s always about the economy and that’s why Trump wins, but the culture wars also matter and we’re very confident that opposition to net zero is really paying off for us,” he said.
The stage is set for Farage and Reform UK to test how much Trump’s success can translate across the Atlantic, rallying disenchanted voters and challenging political norms in Britain.
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