Reform UK has amassed a substantial £1.5 million in funds after Nigel Farage’s return as party leader and his announcement to run for Parliament.
This financial surge, observed in just a few days, is attributed to a wave of new members and commitments from larger donors.
Reform UK’s political fortunes have dramatically improved, reflected in a recent YouGov poll that places the party just one point behind the Conservatives, who have plummeted to 18%.
This newfound momentum threatens to exacerbate the Conservative Party’s challenges on the right.
Among the notable contributions to Reform UK’s coffers is a “substantial cheque” from singer and actor Holly Valance, a known supporter of the party and spouse of property developer Nick Candy.
This influx of funds coincides with an increase in security measures for Farage. The Home Office has extended additional taxpayer-funded security to him following recent incidents during the general election campaign.
Farage faced attacks when a cup and another object were hurled at him from atop a party battle bus in Barnsley. Earlier, a milkshake was thrown at him in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, where he is contesting a seat.
The Home Office’s scheme offers private security for politicians under significant threat, with swift police responses in both incidents aiming to deter similar attacks.
A police source emphasized that quick arrests in these cases demonstrated the authorities’ readiness to handle such threats effectively, though noting that no security measure can entirely prevent spontaneous acts like milkshake throwing.
Reform UK’s enhanced visibility and polling success have been transformative for a party previously hindered by limited financial resources.
Until now, the party largely depended on £1.4 million in loans from its former leader Richard Tice, who has made way for Farage.
Reform UK Membership Surge
Rishi Sunak, in a video, dismissed concerns that Farage’s party might attract Tory voters. However, the financial uplift for Reform UK is undeniable, largely driven by new memberships.
The party reports that close to 14,000 individuals have joined in the past week, each paying a £25 membership fee, thereby raising the total membership to 45,000.
Charlie Mullins, the founder of Pimlico Plumbers and a former business adviser to then-Prime Minister David Cameron, has emerged as another high-profile supporter.
Mullins, once a vocal critic of Brexit and a donor of over £70,000 to the Tories, appeared alongside other backers, including Candy, at Farage’s campaign announcement event.
Candy recently praised Labour leader Keir Starmer as “a decent man with good values and good morals.”
Reform UK’s strategic spending has included hiring the Farrant Group, a prestigious London-based communications firm.
The firm’s directors include Anthony Simon, a former Downing Street head of digital communications, along with other individuals with significant governmental and diplomatic experience.
A source close to the party noted that the professional approach, spearheaded by Tice, aims to broaden the party’s appeal beyond its established image.
“It’s very Richard [Tice], a very corporate approach, and some of the stuff they have been doing has been designed to make the party much more professional-looking and rounded on issues beyond the stereotype.”
Reform Source
Last month, Tice acknowledged the financial challenges ahead, admitting that running an effective ground campaign for the next election would be difficult with the current level of party funds.
Reform UK’s annual spending of “less than £1.5 million” pales in comparison to the £35 million expenditure anticipated from both the Conservatives and Labour in the year leading up to the election.
This stands in stark contrast to the Brexit Party’s £17 million in donations during the 2019 campaign.
Reform UK’s recent developments signal a significant shift in the political landscape, with Farage’s return and the accompanying financial and strategic boosts positioning the party as a formidable player in the upcoming elections.
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