Nigel Farage Unveils 'Vote Reform. Get Starmer Out' Slogan Ahead of Local Elections
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has launched a direct attack on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, labelling him the "most unpopular prime minister in living memory" as he revealed the party's new campaign slogan for the upcoming local elections. The slogan, "Vote Reform. Get Starmer out," will be central to Reform UK's messaging as voters in Wales, Scotland, and parts of England prepare to head to the polls in May.
Farage's Scathing Critique of Starmer's Leadership
Speaking outside the Houses of Parliament on Friday, Mr Farage did not hold back in his criticism of the Prime Minister. He asserted that if Reform UK achieves its potential in the elections, Sir Keir Starmer may not remain in office by the end of May. "This is the most unpopular prime minister in living memory. Without doubt, the least patriotic prime minister in history," Farage declared to reporters.
He emphasised that Reform UK is uniquely positioned to challenge Labour, stating, "Nobody else can do this – the Conservatives are not even in the race, Greens might hurt them in the big cities – but we can. We can, if we get enough people to vote Reform, get Starmer out."
Focus on Starmer Over Policy in Slogan Strategy
When questioned about why the slogan targets the Prime Minister rather than promoting specific Reform policies, Farage explained that the upcoming elections are taking place in some of Labour's traditional strongholds. He argued that Sir Keir's 2024 offering to the country has been "ignored completely" and that the Prime Minister has "done many things that I believe are injurious to the country."
Farage also highlighted his party's local government record, noting, "We have majority control of 10 county councils. We're a year in. We have saved a lot of money. We have kept our council tax rises lower than anybody else's. I'm saying to people, if you want real change – it isn't going to come from anybody else but us."
Polling Strength and Electoral Prospects
Reform UK's confidence is bolstered by recent opinion polls. The party has topped polls in Wales, alongside Plaid Cymru, challenging Labour's long-standing dominance since the Senedd was established in 1999. Additionally, several polls suggest Reform could secure second place in Holyrood, with the SNP remaining the frontrunner.
Farage responded to Sir Keir's comments about being "fed up" with bills rising due to external factors like actions by Putin or Trump by shifting blame to domestic policies. "I'm fed up by the last Conservative government putting net zero into law and Ed Miliband – despite the global crisis that we're in – refusing to change course," he said. He urged the Prime Minister to look "closer to home" at issues such as high industrial prices and deindustrialisation.
Controversy Over Electoral Rules
At the launch event, Farage also addressed concerns about his party potentially breaking electoral rules. Reform UK recently conducted a competition offering free energy bills for a year, which was promoted in a video on X featuring Farage and Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick presenting a £1,758 cheque to a couple in Wigan. Farage stated he is "not the least bit worried" about the matter, as the party claims it has been cleared by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
As the local elections approach, Reform UK's aggressive campaign strategy and focus on ousting Sir Keir Starmer are set to intensify the political landscape, with Farage positioning his party as the primary alternative to Labour in key regions.
