Nigel Farage is facing mounting pressure over his leadership of Reform UK, amid questions about a £5m gift from a crypto billionaire and the party's recent byelection losses. Allies insist exit speculation is 'wishful thinking', but Westminster is rife with rumours that Farage is growing weary of the role.
The party's Millbank HQ is reportedly riven with infighting, with old-time Reformers distrustful of former Tories who have joined, particularly Robert Jenrick and his team. There is also tension over the party's hard-right shift to counter Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain, and clashes between donor Zia Yusuf and Jenrick over deportation policy.
Farage awaits a verdict from the standards watchdog on whether he was right not to declare the £5m from Christopher Harborne. An adverse finding could lead to suspension as an MP and a byelection in his Clacton constituency. Meanwhile, he has reduced his public profile, taking a break from his GB News slot and spending time in his new Surrey property.
Farage is currently in Washington DC for US anniversary celebrations, re-establishing contact with the Trump administration. However, polling suggests links to Trump are a major impediment for voters backing Reform. The party has hired journalist Miles Goslett and shaken up its social media operation as it braces for potential challenges.
