Nigel Farage's Reform UK is facing an unprecedented crisis as multiple parliamentary candidates have dramatically withdrawn their support for the party, throwing their election campaign into chaos just days before voters go to the polls.
Mass Defections Rock Farage's Campaign
An exclusive Mirror investigation can reveal that at least three Reform UK candidates have publicly abandoned the party they were representing, dealing a devastating blow to Farage's political ambitions. The defections suggest deep internal turmoil within the insurgent party at the worst possible moment.
Among those jumping ship is Liam Booth-Isherwood, the candidate for Erewash, who announced he could no longer support Reform UK and would be voting for the Conservatives instead. In a stunning public statement, he declared he was "unable to continue supporting Reform UK in good conscience" and urged voters to back Rishi Sunak's party to prevent a Labour "supermajority."
Growing List of Departures
The crisis doesn't end with Booth-Isherwood. Investigations uncovered that Tim Howard, standing in West Ham and Beckton, has also withdrawn his support, while candidate for Orpington, Jacob Rounds, confirmed he had stepped back from campaigning entirely.
This wave of defections represents a significant setback for Farage, who had hoped to capitalise on Conservative voter dissatisfaction to establish Reform UK as a major force in British politics. The timing couldn't be worse, with the general election just days away.
Conservative Campaign Seizes Opportunity
The Conservative Party has been quick to exploit Reform's troubles, with Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho telling Times Radio that the defections showed "even Reform candidates know that a vote for Reform is a vote for Keir Starmer."
This narrative has become central to the Tory election strategy as they fight to prevent massive Labour gains. The Conservatives are increasingly framing the election as a choice between their party and a Labour government with unchecked power.
What This Means for Election Day
Political analysts suggest these defections could significantly impact Reform UK's performance in key constituencies where they were hoping to split the right-wing vote. The party's ability to attract disillusioned Conservative voters now appears severely compromised.
With the election campaign entering its final days, Farage faces an uphill battle to maintain momentum and credibility. The very public collapse of support among his own candidates raises serious questions about the party's organisation and future prospects in British politics.
As one political insider noted: "When your own candidates won't vote for you, why should the public?"
