Nigel Farage has been branded a "charlatan" by the Labour Party as it launches a significant new advertising campaign targeting the Reform UK leader and his party's parliamentary record. Labour Party chair Anna Turley stated the campaign aims to expose Reform's voting history to voters and warn of the "real-world consequences of Farage getting even a whiff of power."
Ad Campaign Targets Reform's Voting Record
As the local election campaign intensifies, Labour's ad van initiative—titled 'Not on your side'—will spotlight what it describes as Reform's grim record in Parliament and public statements. A central focus is Mr Farage and Reform MPs voting against the landmark Employment Rights Bill, which became law in late 2025.
This legislation includes a raft of measures such as boosting sick pay provisions and banning controversial fire and rehire practices. Reform has pledged to repeal this law, along with new protections for renters, through a "great repeal act" if the party wins power.
Broader Policy Criticisms
The Labour ad campaign will also highlight Reform's plans to dismantle the Online Safety Act, which contains vital protections for children online. Under this act, tech companies have been mandated to implement age verification tools, regulate toxic algorithms, and remove harmful content.
Additionally, the campaign accuses Reform of opposing the roll-out of free school breakfast clubs in primary schools by voting against the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Labour's Strong Accusations
Anna Turley delivered a scathing assessment, stating: "Nigel Farage is a complete and utter charlatan. He and his Reform Party pretend to be on the side of working people. Yet time and again they try and block the vital changes Labour is bringing in to create a Britain built for all."
She elaborated on the potential impact, saying: "That would mean vital cost of living support families across Britain wouldn’t have under a Reform Government. That would mean pounds torn out of the pockets of working people and workplace rights stripped away. That’s the real-world consequences of Farage getting even a whiff of power."
Turley added: "Today Labour exposes the truth: no amount of photo ops with pints down the pub will hide Farage’s naked attempts to hoodwink working people."
Local Election Context
The escalation of this political battle comes just days after experts predicted Labour could lose "well over" 1,000 councillors in May's crucial local elections. Some analysts suggest the figure might reach as high as 2,000 if the party's declining vote share in recent council by-elections continues.
Reform UK has been contacted for comment regarding Labour's allegations and the new ad campaign.
