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The press conference comes after police launched an investigation into suspended MP Rupert Lowe, who denies claims of wrongdoing
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Nigel Farage has admitted there is “turbulence” within the party amid a feud that ignited after he suspended an MP facing bullying allegations.
A Reform UK press conference is underway as the party grapples with infighting that threatens the group’s soaring popularity, with ousted MP Rupert Lowe denying allegations of wrongdoing against him.
However, Mr Farage, the Reform UK leader, said: “But I can promise you that in terms of our progress and our planning, that upset is very much at the edges.”
Mr Farage was joined by his fellow party MPs and chairman Zia Yusuf at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, London to announce a slew of councillor defections to the party ahead of the May local government elections.
It comes as Techne’s weekly tracker poll for The Independent has shown Reform falling to its lowest point since January in the wake of Mr Farage’s suspension of Mr Lowe over claims that he made threats against Mr Yusuf, which he denies.
Tensions between Mr Lowe and Mr Farage have simmered since Elon Musk said that the former Southampton chairman would be a better Reform leader than Mr Farage.
Meanwhile, the government is expected to set out plans for welfare reform in an effort to get more people back to work and cut the cost of a benefits bill.
Strong Conservative shift
Nearly half of the defections (13 out of 29) were former Conservative councillors. 10 were previously independent, and perhaps most surprisingly, one Liberal Democrat.
It is well known that Reform UK’s strategy centres around appealing to disillusioned Tory voters.
Geographical spread
There are notably multiple councillors from Kent, Powys, and South Holland, suggesting potential strongholds or areas where dissatisfaction with mainstream parties is high.
Nigel Farage has unveiled 29 councillors who have defected from parties including the Conservatives, independents and even a Liberal Democrat to Reform UK.
After the announcement, Mr Farage said: “We are growing, we are building we are deepening we are broadening we are strengthening, we are getting ready for the first of May.”
Nigel Farage is never one to beat around the bush, but he just explained his way around the Rupert Lowe row with a heavy dose of spin.
The Reform leader said there had been “turbulence” in the party, but that any discontent was around the edges.
It comes despite polling showing a drop in support for Mr Farage as leader in recent weeks amid the row.
He said: “But I can promise you that in terms of our progress and our planning, that upset is very much at the edges.”
Nigel Farage is pitching for Runcorn and Helsby voters to back Reform UK in a bid to oust Labour in the by-election to replace Mike Amesbury.
The party leader said a vote for the Conservatives would be a total waste, urging voters to rebel against Sir Keir’s party.
Nigel Farage has said Sir Keir Starmer is using “Brexit freedoms” to stand tall on the world stage.
The Reform UK leader said the prime minister has been able to succeed as a statesman because of the UK’s role outside the European Union – as a bridge between Europe and America.
But despite the praise for his diplomacy, Mr Farage said the next election will be decided on domestic issues such as immigration and the cost of living, with Sir Keir having “not got off to a very good start”.
Zia Yusuf said today’s announcement will underscore the “stunning momentum” behind Reform UK.
The party chairman said that, “in the last eight months, reform has delivered the most historic acceleration politically in British history”.
“We are now looking ahead to 1 May (local elections),” Mr Yusuf said.
He has now handed over to Reform leader Nigel Farage, describing him as “the next prime minister of the United Kingdom”.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is set to announce that 29 local councillors have defected to the party ahead of local elections in May.
Our Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell is attending the press conference at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London.
We will be bringing you the latest lines from the conference.
More details on the rumoured billions in welfare cuts Labour plans to announce this week have been revealed as reports indicate ministers are looking to shave £6 billion from disability benefits claimed by millions of people.
My colleague Albert Toth explains:
The Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox highlights the parallels between Lee Anderson’s past and current political controversies.
In 2024, Mr Anderson, known for his outspoken views, was expelled from the Conservative Party after refusing to retract comments linking London Mayor Sadiq Khan to terrorism.
Subsequently, the Ashfield MP joined Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage.
A year later, as Reform UK’s Chief Whip, Mr Anderson played a role in suspending Rupert Lowe over allegations of bullying.
There is an irony in Mr Anderson’s journey from being ousted for insubordination to enforcing party discipline, David Maddox writes.
Read the full analysis from David here.
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