Nigel Farage Declares Reform UK on 'War Footing' for Government
Nigel Farage has dramatically declared that Reform UK is now on a "war footing," asserting the party will be fully prepared to form a government within the next month or two. Speaking at a major rally in Birmingham, Farage claimed that Labour's escalating internal chaos could trigger a general election as early as this year, compelling his party to accelerate its preparations.
Mobilising the 'People's Army' for Electoral Battle
Addressing a crowd of 2,500 supporters at the Birmingham NEC Centre, Farage revealed he has opened applications on Reform's website, calling on Britain's "brightest and best" to stand as parliamentary candidates. He framed this as a rallying cry to his "people's army," urging them to answer the charge and join the political fray. Farage further announced that he will unveil his shadow cabinet in "the next few days," emphasising a strategy to recruit talent from outside the traditional political sphere.
This recruitment drive coincides with the party's confirmation that Simon Dudley, the former chair of Homes England, has joined Reform UK. Farage stressed his determination to have a "fighting-fit" candidate list ready, should Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's precarious position force an early election.
Labour's Deepening Crisis and Cabinet Loyalty
The Reform leader's confidence stems from Labour's severe internal turmoil. Sir Keir Starmer is currently fighting to save his premiership following revelations that he appointed Peter Mandelson as US envoy despite being aware of Mandelson's friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The scandal has intensified pressure, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar publicly calling for the Prime Minister's resignation. This follows the recent departures of Starmer's chief of staff and communications director.
However, Sir Keir's Cabinet ministers have temporarily rallied around him, pledging loyalty and staving off an immediate leadership challenge. Notably, soft-left figure Angela Rayner offered her "full support," urging Labour MPs to unite. Despite this show of solidarity, Farage predicted the Prime Minister will soon be "gone and replaced by somebody undoubtedly far worse." He warned that Rayner's proposed employment reforms represent just "the tip of the iceberg" of potential lunacy under her leadership.
Reform's Path to Power and Policy Ambitions
While Farage stopped short of claiming Reform is immediately ready to take control of 10 Downing Street, he expressed remarkable progress. "We've really only been properly in gear for the last 18, 20 months," he stated, comparing the party's growth to building a company where momentum accelerates after initial groundwork. He estimated Reform is now 50% prepared and will be "genuinely ready" within one to two months, asserting they will be "more ready than all of the others."
Outlining ambitious plans for governance, Farage revealed Reform is developing proposals to revolutionise the civil service. The party has pledged to cut 68,500 civil service jobs and reduce the salary bill by 17% if elected. Farage quipped that the first to go would be those "saying that they're suffering through emotional trauma at the prospect of a Reform Government."
Facing Criticism and Defining Differences
Reform has not been immune to criticism. Worcestershire County Council, led by the party, is set to implement England's largest council tax rise this April. Farage dismissed the council as a "total basket case," clarifying that Reform "never once" promised to cut council tax.
Despite welcoming several former Conservative MPs and ministers into its ranks recently, including Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, Farage insisted a "clear dividing line" exists between Reform and both Labour and the Conservatives. He argued that the two major parties fundamentally believe "the country is not broken," a view Reform vehemently rejects. Jenrick echoed this, stating his former party "don't walk the same streets" to witness Britain's decline, while Braverman declared she had "had enough of Tory delusion."
Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake hit back, accusing Farage of being "very good at shouting 'Broken Britain' from the sidelines, but very light on credible answers." He dismissed Reform's platform as "one-man-band protest politics and wish lists" rather than a serious governing plan.
The First Electoral Test Looms
Reform's first significant electoral challenge will be the local elections on May 7. Farage stated he approaches this date with a "growing sense of optimism every day," viewing it as a critical proving ground for the party's expanding ambitions and its readiness to capitalise on the political instability engulfing Westminster.
