By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Nigel Farage has promised a political transformation after his Reform UK party won over four million votes, securing him a seat in Parliament for the first time. Reform UK captured five seats in the House of Commons with a 14.3% vote share. Farage notably overturned a significant Conservative majority in Clacton, Essex, in his eighth attempt to enter the Commons. He announced this victory as the beginning of a nationwide movement to change politics permanently.
During his first press conference as an MP, six protesters disrupted the event, accusing Farage of racism and intending to privatize the NHS. Farage suggested they might be paid actors attempting to disrupt his plans. He asserted that the political establishment privately fears the election results.
After returning to frontline politics and leading Reform in June, Farage aimed to secure millions of votes and establish a parliamentary presence. He plans to use his platform to scrap the First Past the Post electoral system, criticizing the disparity between their 14% vote share and only five MPs. Farage emphasized professionalizing and democratizing the party, vowing to expel problematic members.
Farage ruled out any alliance with the Tories, preferring to see the Conservative Party self destruct, and instead targeted Labour voters. He received a congratulatory message from former President Donald Trump. Reform UK gained seats in Great Yarmouth, Boston and Skegness, and South Basildon and East Thurrock from the Conservatives, while former Tory MP Lee Anderson retained his Ashfield seat after defecting to Reform.
Polling expert Sir John Curtice noted that Reform's success stemmed from a significant drop in Conservative votes in previously Tory held seats, especially in pro Brexit areas. Reform UK candidates secured second place in 98 constituencies. The party saw strong early results in the northeast of England, overtaking the Conservatives in several areas. However, they struggled to win seats from Labour, with notable losses in Barnsley North and Hartlepool.
Reform UK's campaign faced challenges, including disowning six candidates for offensive comments and dealing with candidate defections. Despite these issues, the party fielded 630 candidates across Great Britain, contesting almost all available seats.
