The atmosphere inside the Reform UK conference was less a political gathering and more a revivalist meeting, with Nigel Farage as its charismatic preacher. From the moment he took the stage, it was clear this was not just another speech; it was a declaration of war on the political establishment.
The Ghost of Thatcher and the Attack on Sunak
Farage, in a move that blurred the lines between homage and appropriation, consciously echoed the tone and cadence of Margaret Thatcher. He channelled her famous St Francis of Assisi quote upon entering Downing Street, a calculated nod to a bygone era of Conservative conviction that he claims is now absent. His target? The current Conservative leadership, embodied by Rishi Sunak, whom Farage painted as the architect of the party's betrayal of its core principles.
The critique was scathing and personal. He framed Sunak's legacy not as one of economic stewardship, but as a fundamental failure to grasp the concerns of ordinary Britons, particularly on the explosive issue of immigration.
Net Zero, Immigration, and the Culture War
The speech was a greatest hits of populist discontent, expertly delivered. Farage railed against Net Zero policies, framing them as an expensive luxury the country cannot afford. He pledged to scrap them, positioning Reform as the party of pragmatic economics.
But it was immigration where his rhetoric found its most potent focus. He spoke of a "national story" being undermined, of communities changing beyond recognition, and of a political class that simply doesn't listen. This wasn't just policy discussion; it was a full-throated engagement in the culture wars, designed to resonate with those who feel left behind by globalisation and rapid social change.
A Party Reborn in Farage's Image
The conference itself served as a testament to Farage's complete dominance over Reform UK. The party has shed its previous identity, purging any lingering remnants of its past leadership. The stagecraft, the messaging, the very energy in the room—it all orbited around one man.
This was a carefully orchestrated performance designed to achieve several goals:
- To bury the Conservative Party: Framing them as a spent force with no hope of redemption.
- To legitimise Reform: Presenting it as the true home for disaffected voters on the right.
- To project power: Using the theatricality of the event to suggest momentum and inevitability.
Whether this translates into significant electoral gains remains to be seen. But one thing was certain: in a Birmingham conference hall, Nigel Farage ensured that his voice, and his vision for a political revolt, would once again dominate the British political conversation.
