THREAD: reform party shocks

REFORM UK SHOCKS Nation as Voters Reject Old Parties

30 April 2025 — Nigel Farage’s REFORM UK is shaking up the 2025 local elections in England. More voters are turning away from Labour and the Conservatives. Pollster Sir John Curtice says support for both main parties has dropped below half, with Reform UK ready to grab a big share of votes.

Labour is facing chaos under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. High-profile members like MP Rosie Duffield have quit, saying party leaders care more about “greed and power” than working families. Over 20 Labour councillors in Nottinghamshire have also resigned, blaming lost traditional values.

Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives are struggling too. People are upset about rising living costs and poor public services. If the party suffers heavy losses, Sunak could face calls to step down — though any surprise wins might help him stay until the next general election.

Reform UK is running more candidates than any other party and focusing on former Labour areas by talking tough on mass migration. Tech billionaire Bassim Haidar just gave £1 million to Reform UK, calling Farage “the leader who can bring this country back to glory” while slamming Conservative tax policies as left-wing.;

BILLIONAIRE’S Bold £1 Million Gift Ignites Reform Party Hope

29 April 2025 — British tech billionaire Bassim Haidar just gave a huge £1 million boost to Nigel Farage’s REFORM party. Haidar called Farage the only leader who can “bring this country back to glory.” He used to support the Conservatives, but says they turned their backs on business and started pushing left-wing tax ideas.

Haidar slammed both the Conservative and Labour parties for hurting businesses with higher taxes. He’s especially angry about plans to scrap non-dom status and raise inheritance taxes. Haidar warned that if these changes go ahead, more wealthy people could leave Britain for good.

This donation shows how frustrated big donors are with old parties like the Conservatives. Haidar hinted that other rich supporters are thinking about switching sides too, which could shake up British politics in a big way.

Many voters feel let down by the Conservatives on key issues such as migration and the economy, making Reform’s message stronger than ever right now.

REFORM Party SHOCKS Britain: Voters Abandon Old Parties in Desperate Move

28 April 2025 — Britain’s two main parties are losing their grip. Sir John Curtice, a top pollster, says the country’s political system is breaking down as five parties now fight for votes. Nigel Farage’s REFORM Party is gaining support from both Labour and Conservative voters fed up with the status quo.

Recent polls show REFORM surging as people worry about rising costs and unchecked migration. Fewer than half of voters plan to back Labour or the Conservatives — a record low. Curtice predicts REFORM could win hundreds of seats in Thursday’s local elections, even though they’ve never run such a big campaign before.

REFORM has put forward more candidates than any other party this time — a major win for their team. They’re focusing on working-class communities who feel left behind by Labour’s new focus on city elites and multicultural policies.

This election is the first big challenge for Prime Minister Keir Starmer since his left-wing government took power last July. Only about a third of councils are voting now, with many elections delayed until next year.;

ECUADOR Election SHOCKER: Noboa’s Triumph Sparks Controversy

14 April 2025 — Ecuadorians have reelected President Daniel Noboa, a conservative millionaire, by a wide margin. Noboa secured 55.8% of the vote with over 92% counted, defeating leftist lawyer Luisa González. Despite the clear results, González plans to seek a recount, alleging “grotesque” electoral fraud.

The National Electoral Council’s president declared an “irreversible trend” favoring Noboa. His victory grants him four years to deliver on promises made during his surprising win in the previous snap election. Noboa aims to continue his tough crimefighting strategies that resonate with many voters but challenge legal norms.

In his victory speech, Noboa criticized González’s fraud claims and emphasized Ecuadorians’ decision at the polls. “Ecuador is changing,” he stated confidently, promising better futures for children under his leadership. He urged unity and focus on work ahead as Ecuadorians have already spoken through their votes.

BANGLADESH In TURMOIL: New Party Ignites Youth Revolution

01 March 2025 — Mass protests have erupted in Bangladesh as students, who led last summer’s uprising against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, announced a new political party. The National Citizen Party aims to create new political space in a landscape dominated by dynastic politics. Activists demand reforms and accountability amid ongoing tensions and economic challenges.

The protests have led to a significant police presence, with reports of violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Authorities are responding strongly, making numerous arrests connected to the unrest. This fluid situation could impact upcoming elections and the broader political climate in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s political scene has been unstable, marked by protests and calls for change against Sheikh Hasina’s administration over governance issues. The formation of the National Citizen Party is seen as a challenge to the existing order.

Ongoing protests may lead to further governmental crackdowns, escalating tensions within the country. This development could alter Bangladesh’s political trajectory as young leaders seek change, highlighting rising youth activism with potential for significant shifts in current dynamics.

FARAGE FIGHTS Back: A Bold Call to CUT UK Government Waste

13 February 2025 — Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, is pushing for a British version of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Inspired by President Trump’s efforts to cut federal waste, Farage aims to expose misuse of taxpayer money.

In a social media video, Farage slammed spending on projects like studying Star Wars’ environmental impact and classical music’s colonial history. He argues these programs waste funds and employ unnecessary workers.

Farage recently attended a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania, aligning himself with American conservative strategies. He believes Britain should adopt similar measures to reduce government inefficiency.

Farage’s call for reform comes amid criticism from Elon Musk, who questioned his leadership capabilities. Despite this, Farage remains focused on tackling what he sees as financial mismanagement in the UK government.

ROMANIAN ELECTION Shock: Russian Interference Sparks Outrage

11 January 2025 — Calin Georgescu, a populist candidate, was leading Romania’s election before it was nullified over alleged Russian interference. He gained support by embracing conservative values and criticizing left-wing figures like George Soros. Despite modest campaign spending, Georgescu’s social media presence drew in religious conservatives and those frustrated with government corruption.

Romania’s Constitutional Court canceled the election after intelligence reports accused Russia of using fake TikTok accounts to back Georgescu. The reports also claimed a cyberattack on the election system. These allegations led to an investigation into “electoral crimes,” sparking widespread protests from Georgescu supporters who believed the election was stolen.

Protesters flooded the streets, waving Romanian flags and demanding their votes be counted in a second round of elections. They denounced President Klaus Iohannis’s administration as illegitimate and called for his arrest, labeling government officials as “traitors.” The political unrest underscores deep divisions within Romania over foreign influence and electoral integrity.

MUSK’S Bold Stance: Calls for NEW Leadership in Reform Party

06 January 2025 — Elon Musk, after meeting Nigel Farage at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, has publicly criticized Farage’s leadership of the Reform Party. Musk declared on X that “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes,” showing a shift in his stance towards Britain’s prominent Brexit figure.

There was speculation that Musk might support the Reform Party financially. However, his recent comments suggest he wants more control over its direction and leadership. This change comes after a disagreement between Musk and Farage about English activist Tommy Robinson, whom Farage refused to welcome into the party.

Musk’s focus has recently turned to European politics, promoting Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and criticizing failures in handling grooming gangs in England. Meanwhile, he’s faced backlash from the MAGA base over Tesla’s use of H1-B visas after laying off American workers last year.

In response to criticism from America First supporters about bringing in foreign tech workers, Musk reacted strongly on social media. He emphasized his commitment to this issue despite opposition, highlighting ongoing tensions between his global business interests and nationalist sentiments within conservative circles.

REFORM UK SURGE: Nigel Farage’s Party Challenges Conservatives

24 December 2024 — Reform UK is quickly closing in on the Conservative Party’s membership numbers, now boasting over 121,000 members. This surge puts it close to overtaking the Conservatives, who currently have around 131,680 members. The party’s leader, Nigel Farage, has launched a live membership tracker to highlight this growth.

Farage confidently predicts that Reform UK will soon surpass the Conservative Party in membership. He says this growth stems from dissatisfaction with the Conservatives’ handling of key issues like border control and taxation. This discontent has hurt the Conservative brand despite its historical success and long-standing dominance in British politics.

Reform UK’s rise is significant as political realignment in Britain is rare and hasn’t happened for a century. However, Farage believes current conditions favor such a shift. Bookmakers even suggest he could be Britain’s next Prime Minister due to his party’s rapid expansion and appeal among young voters through special membership deals.

With an impressive increase from 30,000 members in June to over 121,000 by December, Reform UK stands as Britain’s fastest-growing political party. The recent introduction of discounted memberships for under-25s further fueled this growth with many new sign-ups within days of its launch.

FARAGE’S Bold Invitation: Conservative Councillors Offered a NEW Political Home

24 October 2024 — Nigel Farage has invited 1,352 Conservative councillors in England to join Reform UK. The party is gearing up for its first national election campaign. Currently, Reform UK has 28 local councillors and aims to grow significantly.

In a video message, Farage said many local Conservatives align more with his party than with Westminster’s Conservatives. Unlike the 2019 election deal with Boris Johnson’s Conservatives, Reform UK plans to run candidates in every local council contest this May. Farage warned that most Conservative councillors risk losing their seats and offered them a “lifeline” by joining Reform UK.

Farage stressed that only those who truly want to change the country should apply, setting a deadline for decisions before next month’s candidate selection. He made it clear not everyone would be accepted, especially those prone to internal conflicts typical of Tory politics.

The invitation comes just before the announcement of the new Conservative Party leader — either Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick replacing Rishi Sunak. Farage dismissed the leadership contest as irrelevant, claiming the Conservative brand is irreparably damaged due to repeated betrayals of voters’ trust over successive elections and manifestos.

ROBERT F Kennedy JR Shocks Nation: Endorses Trump

24 August 2024 — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his presidential campaign on Friday and endorsed Republican nominee Donald Trump. Speaking in Arizona, Kennedy expressed concerns that continuing his campaign would aid Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Kennedy’s support had declined in recent polls as he struggled to find his place in a race reshaped by President Joe Biden’s exit and Harris’ nomination. Recent polls showed Kennedy’s support hovering in the mid-single digits, far from earlier double-digit figures.

A July AP-NORC poll revealed Americans were split on their views of Kennedy, with Republicans more likely to view him favorably than Democrats or independents. Those with a positive impression of Kennedy also tended to favor Trump over Harris by a significant margin.

REFORMIST VICTORY: Iran’s New President Promises Change

06 July 2024 — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran’s runoff presidential election, defeating hard-liner Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian promised to reach out to the West and ease enforcement on the mandatory headscarf law. He secured 16.3 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million in an election with a 49.6% turnout.

Pezeshkian assured no radical changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy, acknowledging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the final authority. Despite his modest aims, he faces challenges from hard-liners and ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Western concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Supporters celebrated in Tehran and other cities as Pezeshkian’s lead grew over Jalili. The heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker addressed journalists at Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s mausoleum, emphasizing his commitment to honesty and fulfilling promises made during his campaign.

Pezeshkian’s victory comes at a delicate time with high tensions in the Mideast and an upcoming U.S. election that could impact relations between Tehran and Washington. His win wasn’t a landslide, indicating he must navigate Iran’s complex internal politics carefully as he lacks experience in high-level security roles.

Tice DEMANDS Right-Wing REALIGNMENT in UK Politics

03 July 2024 — Reform UK leader Richard Tice criticized the Conservative Party for its failures and called for a complete realignment of right-wing politics. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he emphasized that the Conservatives should not be rewarded for their shortcomings.

“Labour is going to win this election,” said Tice, adding that people are tired of the culture of fear created by Tory desperation. He argued for a new, common-sense approach, predicting millions of votes for Reform UK.

Host Nick Robinson suggested Nigel Farage’s revolt against legacy parties might fail due to extreme views within Reform UK. Tice dismissed this as “absolute nonsense,” claiming strong support from voters during his campaign efforts.

NIGEL FARAGE’S Bold Return: Reform UK Aims to Shake UP British Politics

04 June 2024 — Nigel Farage is back at the helm of the Reform UK Party, formerly known as the Brexit Party. He will stand for election in Clacton, a seat where his former party UKIP previously found success. Farage’s ambitions extend beyond this election, aiming for significant influence in future elections.

A recent poll indicates a potential Conservative Party defeat under Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Farage believes Reform UK could surpass the Conservatives in votes next month. He stated, "We’re going to get a huge number of votes... they are on the verge of total collapse.

Reform UK has outpolled Conservatives before, notably in the 2019 EU Parliament elections with 5.2 million votes against 1.5 million for Conservatives. However, replicating this success in Westminster elections would be challenging due to Britain’s electoral system favoring established parties like Labour and Conservatives or regional parties like SNP and Greens.

Farage aims to use this campaign as a springboard for future success, positioning Reform UK as the main opposition party against an internally conflicted Conservative Party. “We are going to be the voice of opposition,” he declared confidently, promising to surprise everyone once again with his political prowess.

REFORM UK BLASTS Conservatives For Immigration Failure

24 May 2024 — Reform UK launched its general election campaign by highlighting the Conservative Party’s failure to control immigration. The party, formerly known as Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, displayed a graph showing a dramatic rise in immigration since 1997.

The Conservatives have been criticized for increasing net migration to one million every 18 months despite promising to reduce it. Reform UK’s campaign material questions who voted for mass migration and accuses both the Conservatives and Labour of failing the public on this issue.

Party leader Richard Rice emphasized that voting for either major party results in socialism, higher taxes, lower wages, and increased immigration. He argued that both parties have governed similarly despite their differing rhetoric.

Rice and deputy Ben Habib criticized decades of decline under both Labour and Conservative governments. They pointed out record-high taxes, government spending, waiting lists, debt levels, and poor public sector outcomes over the past 70 years as evidence of systemic failure.

SUNAK SHOCKS Nation: Calls Surprise Election for July 4

23 May 2024 — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has shocked many by calling a general election for July 4. Known for being thorough and evidence-led, this move contrasts sharply with his usual cautious approach.

Opinion polls suggest that Sunak’s Conservative Party is trailing behind the opposition Labour Party, which could spell trouble for his leadership. Sunak took office in October 2022, replacing Liz Truss after her economic policies caused market turmoil.

Sunak had warned against Truss’s unfunded tax cuts, predicting economic havoc that indeed followed. His rise to power was rapid, becoming Britain’s first leader of color and youngest prime minister in over two centuries at age 42.

Sunak previously served as Treasury chief during the coronavirus pandemic, where he introduced an unprecedented economic support package. Now at age 44, he faces a critical test with this upcoming election amid challenging political landscapes.

SOUTH KOREAN Election Shocker: Voters Lean Left in Historic Turn

11 April 2024 — South Korean voters, upset by the economic slump, are showing their disapproval towards President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling People Power Party (PPP). Early exit polls indicate a dramatic tilt in the National Assembly, with the opposition DP/DUP coalition on track to win between 168 and 193 of the 300 seats. This would leave Yoon’s PPP and its partners trailing with just 87-111 seats.

A record-breaking turnout of 67 percent — the highest for a midterm election since 1992 — reflects widespread voter engagement. South Korea’s unique proportional representation system aims to give smaller parties a chance but has resulted in a crowded field that confuses many voters.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has publicly recognized the disappointing exit poll figures. He pledged to honor the electorate’s decision and wait for the final tally. The election results could mark a pivotal change in South Korea’s political landscape, hinting at broader shifts ahead.

This electoral outcome underscores growing public discontent with current economic policies and signals a desire for change among South Korean voters, potentially reshaping the nation’s policy direction in years to come.

REFORM UK RISES: Public Discontent Over Immigration Policies Fuels Momentum

29 March 2024 — Reform UK is gaining momentum, largely fueled by its firm stance against “unchecked immigration,” as stated by the party’s deputy chair. This surge in support comes in light of recent data from Ipsos Mori and British Future, a pro-immigration think tank. The figures highlight public dissatisfaction with the government’s management of borders, indicating a potential shift in the UK’s political landscape.

Despite Labour currently leading in the polls, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party is outpacing the Conservatives when it comes to trust and policy matters. This could serve as an alarm bell for Tory politicians who have been at Britain’s political helm for two centuries. Ben Habib, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, attributes this shift to what he perceives as the Conservative Party neglecting their own voter base.

According to Ipsos Mori research, 69% of Britons express dissatisfaction with immigration policies while only 9% are content. Of those dissatisfied individuals, over half (52%) believe migration should be reduced while just 17% think it should increase. Specific grievances include inadequate measures to prevent channel crossings (54%) and high immigration numbers (51%). Less concern was shown towards creating negative environments for migrants (28%) or poor treatment of asylum seekers (25%).

Habib asserts that this widespread discontent signifies a historic realignment in politics

LABOUR PARTY Triumphs: Shocking Upset in Special Elections Reshapes UK Political Landscape

21 October 2023 — In a surprising turn of events, Britain’s Labour Party has managed to secure two Parliament seats previously dominated by the Conservatives. This unexpected victory took place in the special elections held in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire, with a significant number of voters switching their loyalty to Labour.

This win strengthens Labour’s standing as the primary challenger for next year’s national election. It also piles pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to rejuvenate his party’s reputation. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, proclaimed that his party is “redrawing the political map”.

The victories were marked by Sarah Edwards’ success in Tamworth and Alistair Strathern’s triumph in Mid-Bedfordshire, both overcoming substantial Conservative majorities from 2019. However, it should be noted that voter turnout was relatively low at 36% and 44% respectively. Additionally, these elections took place under unique circumstances due to resignations from former lawmakers.