Reform UK Surpasses Conservatives in Membership

Nigel Farage's Reform UK party has claimed a historic milestone by surpassing the Conservative Party in membership, boasting a total exceeding 132,200 members, marking a dramatic rise from just 40,000 when he returned as leader in June 2024. Farage celebrated this achievement, stating, "This is a big, historic moment," and asserting that Reform UK is now the real opposition in British politics. The surge in membership, which included a special push for under-25s, reflects growing discontent with the Conservatives, whose membership has dwindled to approximately 131,680. Pollster Matt Goodwin has suggested that this shift indicates a seismic change in UK politics, potentially marking 2024 as a pivotal year. Additionally, Farage has expressed his interest in enhancing US-UK relations, positioning himself as a valuable asset in trade negotiations. Analysts note that while Reform UK's rise is significant, some within Labour caution against elevating Farage's status through engagement.