Nigel Farage Unveils 'Vote Reform. Get Starmer Out' Slogan for Local Elections
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has launched a direct attack on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, branding him the "most unpopular prime minister in living memory" as he unveiled his party's new slogan for the upcoming local elections. The campaign mantra "Vote Reform. Get Starmer out" will be repeated across Wales, Scotland and parts of England ahead of the May polls.
Targeting Labour Strongholds
Speaking outside the Houses of Parliament on Friday, Mr Farage told reporters that the upcoming elections "are in some of Labour's strongest areas in the country" and that Starmer's 2024 offering to the country had been "ignored completely." He added that the Prime Minister has "done many things that I believe are injurious to the country."
Mr Farage made bold predictions about the election outcome, stating: "If we achieve anything like our potential, I do not believe Starmer will still be prime minister at the end of May. This is the most unpopular prime minister in living memory. Without doubt, the least patriotic prime minister in history."
Poll Position and Party Confidence
Reform UK has been performing strongly in opinion polls, particularly in Wales where they have topped surveys alongside Plaid Cymru. This is significant as Labour has held power in Wales since the Senedd was established in 1999. Several polls also suggest Reform could secure second place in Holyrood, with the SNP remaining the frontrunner.
Mr Farage expressed confidence in his party's ability to challenge Labour directly, arguing: "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."
Defending Party Record and Addressing Criticism
When questioned about his party's focus on the Prime Minister rather than specific policies, Mr Farage pointed to Reform's local government achievements: "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."
Addressing Starmer's comments about being "fed up" with bills rising due to external factors like Putin or Trump, Mr Farage countered: "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. Of course, if Putin does stuff, if Trump and Israel do stuff, it affects us. No doubt about that, but it's what we're doing here."
He added pointed criticism of domestic policy: "With the highest industrial prices in the world, with deindustrialisation on the most extraordinary scale, a huge amount of self-inflicted harm, I would suggest the Prime Minister looks closer to home."
Electoral Rules Controversy and Campaign Momentum
At the launch event, Mr Farage addressed concerns about his party potentially breaking electoral rules after conducting a competition to win free energy bills for a year. In a video posted on social media, Mr Farage and Reform's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick were seen presenting a large cheque for £1,758 to a couple in Wigan. Reform UK stated they had been cleared by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), and Mr Farage said he was "not the least bit worried" about the matter.
Speaking later at Romford Market, Mr Farage expressed bullish confidence about the May 7 elections: "We're trying our hardest. We're going for gold. Do you know what? We're going to surprise all of you." While admitting that Reform UK is not yet a "completed product ready to win the next general election," he emphasized that "our progress is rapid" and the party continues to gain momentum ahead of the crucial local elections.
