Nigel Farage has told Reform UK activists to expect a general election within the next two years, striking a triumphant tone at the party's Birmingham conference. The Reform leader announced the party was setting up an internal department to prepare for government, signalling confidence about entering office.
The announcement came minutes after Angela Rayner resigned from her position as deputy prime minister. Farage said the Government was now "deep in crisis" and predicted Labour would face significant splits, similar to those previously seen in the Conservative Party.
Government preparation plans
Former party chairman Zia Yusuf will become Reform's new head of policy to coordinate the party's agenda. Farage said he would "open up a new department within the party" for preparing for government, drawing on experience from recent Conservative defector Nadine Dorries and others.
The former Conservative culture secretary was welcomed on stage after announcing her defection from the Tories on the conference eve. Dorries said: "I feel for the first time in a number of years as though I'm at a conference and amongst people who share the same principles and values as I have always held."
Policy promises and predictions
Farage claimed Reform would stop small boat arrivals within a fortnight of winning power. He said: "We will stop the boats within two weeks of winning the government," alongside promises to prosecute shoplifters and overturn Labour's non-dom tax policies.
The Reform leader predicted Labour MPs might defect to a potential Jeremy Corbyn-led party, believing they would have "a better chance of being re-elected under that ticket, under Corbyn, than they do under Sir Keir." He stated: "I think there is every chance now of a general election happening in 2027."
Party growth and conference atmosphere
Party chairman Dr David Bull announced membership had risen above 240,000, with more than 900 councillors largely from May's local election victories. Farage entered the stage with pyrotechnics and fireworks to a standing ovation, with audience members drinking pints as they watched.
He concluded with a rallying cry to members: "I am determined to do something about it. I came back last year out of retirement, to try and lead a movement that would get our country back. I think we're on track."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
