Nigel Farage has broken his silence over the Makerfield by-election result, admitting disappointment but issuing an uncompromising warning to Labour. The Reform UK leader conceded that Andy Burnham's victory was a "dramatic, emphatic win" but cautioned that Labour's woes are far from over.
Farage Admits Disappointment
In a video posted online, Farage said he was disappointed with his party's performance, noting that he had expected around 18,000 votes but received just shy of 16,000. "There is no question about it," he stated, "I am annoyed we did not do better."
Warning to Labour
Despite the loss, Farage warned that Labour had been "hoisted by their own petard." He argued that the result was "vote Burnham, get Starmer out," suggesting that voters were backing the mayor rather than the Labour leader. He compared Burnham to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, describing both as "popular local mayors."
Criticism of Rival Parties
Farage took aim at Restore Britain, the party founded by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, which secured 7% of the vote. He urged Lowe's backers to reconsider, saying, "We are the challenger party to the left in this country." He also dismissed the Conservative Party's performance in the North, claiming their vote share averaged around 2% in by-elections.
Despite the setback, Farage declared that Reform UK remains "the big national party on the center right" and vowed to continue. "We keep going," he said.
