Nigel Farage has demanded an immediate general election, claiming that Andy Burnham has no mandate to run the country. The Reform UK leader stated that his party could produce a 'historic upset' in a general election, and warned that if he fails to enter No 10, Britain risks 'turning into a third world country' within 10 years.
Farage's Attack on Burnham's Mandate
Speaking at the CPAC GB conference in London, Farage said that 'nothing will get better under Andy Burnham,' who is set to become prime minister on Monday after being confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party. Farage, who is fighting a by-election in Clacton after resigning as an MP over parliamentary and media scrutiny of his finances, argued: 'The only certainty with Burnham is we're going to get more of the same, but they'll go further to the left than they already are.'
He emphasised that Burnham has 'literally no mandate' for a major change in direction, noting that outside of 25,000 voters in Makerfield, he has no electoral backing for his proposed reforms.
Tax and Immigration Concerns
Farage accused Burnham of planning tax increases despite his pledge to stick to Labour's 2024 manifesto commitment not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT. 'Taxes are going to rise and there's talk, of course, of property taxes, which will collapse the housing market, especially in London and the South East, but it'll do great damage elsewhere in the country,' Farage said. He also predicted that the top rate of tax would increase.
On immigration, Farage criticised Burnham for showing 'never the slightest concern' and doubted he would take the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights to regain full border control.
Call for Immediate General Election
The Reform leader insisted there 'must be an immediate general election so the country can decide the future.' He claimed Reform UK is well-placed to win the 'battle for the soul of our nation,' noting that the party raised more money last year than any other political party. 'I believe an historic upset is on the cards,' Farage said, adding that the British people have had enough of 'weak, gutless, spineless leadership.'
Farage warned that if Reform fails to win the next election, the UK would 'go bust' and 'I honestly believe we're less than a decade away from effectively turning into a third world country.'
