‘We must be ready for early election,’ Nigel Farage tells party

Adam Goldsmith

Live reporter

Image source, PA Media

Reform party members were in a jubilant mood today, as the party’s Birmingham conference aligned with news of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s departure from government.

Soon after Rayner announced she would be resigning after underpaying tax on a flat purchase in Hove, Reform party leader Nigel Farage sought to capture the moment by giving his headline speech three hours early.

After a rush for seats, the crowds at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre were urged by Farage to “be ready” for an early general election in 2027 – though one isn’t expected until 2029.

Watching on, our correspondent Nick Eardley describes how it’s hard to overstate the confidence at the Reform party’s conference.

We’ve got a full rundown of Farage’s performance and promises on stage – which had touches of Donald Trump’s campaign as the Clacton MP pledged to “make Britain great again”.

Today’s event is the first of the party conferences that take place in the autumn and Reform looked to drum up anticipation when it welcomed ex-Tory minister Nadine Dorries to its ranks last night.

Invited on stage by Farage, she told supporters in the hall that Reform is the “party of the moment” – and our reporter at the conference says a lot has changed for the party in a year.

We’re ending our live coverage here, but you can have a read of our news story for the full picture on Nigel Farage’s speech to the Reform party conference.

Nigel Farage insisted Reform UK “must be ready” for a general election in two years after Angela Rayner’s resignation. The Reform leader brought his keynote speech at the party conference in Birmingham forward three hours following the Deputy Prime Minister’s exit in a row over her tax affairs.

Mr Farage told supporters: “I think there is every chance now of a general election happening in 2027.”

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He added: “We have topped over 100 of the last opinion polls, our lead is between 10 and 15% against any of the other parties. I tell you what, given the state of chaos they’re in, I think we can increase that lead further yet. Folks, it’s happening.”

Ms Rayner resigned from Government after Sir Keir Starmer’s ethics adviser found she had breached the ministerial code over her underpayment of stamp duty on a seaside flat.

THIS LIVE BLOG HAS NOW CLOSED

Nigel Farage says a Reform UK Government will stop the boats “within two weeks” as he called Labour “not fit to govern.”

Speaking at the party’s conference in Birmingham, he said: “We will stop the boats and we will detain and deport those who illegally break into our country.

“Doing what nearly every normal country in the rest of the world does.

“You cannot come here illegally and stay. We will stop the boats within two weeks of winning government.”

Earlier in the speech, he said: “This Government is deep in crisis.Not only have they fallen into deep unpopularity in just a year of winning the general election but it’s become clear to all of us that it is a Cabinet full of wholly unqualified people to run our country.

“They are not fit to govern.”

Nadine Dorries warns British politics is at a ‘dangerous point in history’ Nadine Dorries has told GB News that British politics is at a “dangerous point in history” as she warned of further splits in both the Conservative and Labour parties. Speaking at the Reform UK conference following her defection from the Tories, Ms Dorries told GB News Political Correspondent Katherine Forster that Reform is the “party of the moment”. Speaking at Reform’s party conference in Birmingham, the former Culture Secretary declared Labour and the Conservatives are “falling apart”. She stated: “The reason why Labour are falling apart, the reason why the Conservative Party fell apart is because when they come to be tested, as we saw recently, with Keir Starmer having to make a number of U-turns because his MPs won’t support him. READ THE FULL STORY

Reform UK members split on Tory defection deluge Nigel Farage brought Nadine Dorries on stage at the conference following her defection yesterday | PA Reform UK members have been left divided on whether Nigel Farage should embrace more ex-Tory MPs into his ranks. Mr Farage today introduced ex-Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries to a crowd of 6,000 Reform UK members. However, GB News detected a mixed response from Reform UK members hovering around the NEC in Birmingham. While Lee Anderson has become a household name, other defectors might need to prove their worth before being fully accepted by Reform’s 240,000 members. READ FULL STORY

Kemi Badenoch slams ‘weak’ Keir Starmer Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch has slammed the Prime Minister saying: “Phase Two of Starmer’s Government didn’t even last three days”. “He was too weak to fire the Deputy Prime Minister, even after he was told she broke the Ministerial Code, and now he’s shuffling deckchairs around on his sinking government,” she said. “The Labour Party is now engaged in a civil war for its deputy leadership. All of which will be an enormous distraction from the problems facing Britain, with the cost of borrowing reaching its highest point in decades, and inflation and unemployment rising. “Only the Conservatives under new leadership are committed to tackling the deficit, living within our means and cutting government spending.”

The King approves Keir Starmer’s major Cabinet reshuffle Downing Street has confirmed that the King has approved a number of appointments as part of Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet reshuffle. It includes David Lammy as Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary along with his role as Deputy Prime Minister. Darren Jones as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He will remain Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Yvette Cooper as Foreign Secretary and Shabana Mahmood taking her role as Home Secretary. Steve Reed taking over as the Housing Minister as Pat McFadden assumes the role of Work and Pensions Secretary. Peter Kyle has been appointed as Business and Trade Secretary while Liz Kendall has moved to Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary. The Environment Secretary role has been given to Emma Reynolds as Douglas Alexander has been made Scottish Secretary. Jonathan Reynolds has been made Treasury Secretary and Sir Alan Campbell has been made the Leader of the House of Commons. It results in Angela Rayner, Lucy Powell and Ian Murray leaving the Government.

Protestors dragged out of Reform UK conference One of the protestors being carried out by security | REFORM UK At least three protestors have been carried out of the Reform UK conference with Nigel Farage heard yelling “boring, boring”. Mr Farage’s speech was interrupted by protestors in Birmingham who were physically taken out by security. The protestors were seen yelling from different sections of the crowd with Mr Farage saying “I don’t know what took them so long”.

Further reshuffling in Keir Starmer’s Cabinet Pat McFadden has replaced Liz Kendall as Work and Pensions Secretary with his Department also incorporating the skills brief, which currently sits in Education. Ms Kendall is set to become Tech Secretary as Peter Kyle replaces Jonathan Reynolds as Business Secretary. Lisa Nandy will stay in the position of Culture Secretary and John Healey will remain as Defence Secretary.

Steve Reed expected to replace Angela Rayner as Housing Secretary Streatham and Croydon North MP Steve Reed is set to be appointed Housing Secretary after Angela Rayner resigned from the position today. The MP was previously in the role of Environment Secretary.

David Lammy arrives at Downing Street David Lammy walking up to Downing Street | PA After being announced as Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy has been spotted walking up to Downing Street. He has since switched roles from Foreign Secretary to the Deputy position and Justice Secretary.

David Lammy appoited Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary after Angela Rayner resigned from the position. Ms Rayner also resigned from her position as Housing Secretary and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party after admitting she underpaid £40,000 in tax after buying a flat in Hove. It has prompted Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reshuffle his cabinet with Yvette Cooper switching to Foreign Secretary and Shabana Mahmood taking her position as Home Secretary.

Ian Murray confirms sacking as Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said he was “hugely disappointed” after confirming he had been sacked as Scottish Secretary. Mr Murray said it was a “privilege” and the “honour of my life” to serve under Keir Starmer and that he did not want to leave Government. “I am hugely disappointed to be leaving Government, with so much done and so much more to do,” he said. “But I now look forward to spending a little more time with my wife and two beautiful girls, while continuing to serve the wonderful people of Edinburgh South.” Mr Murray said the Prime Minister would have his “full support” from the backbenches.

PM ‘very sad’ over Angela Rayner’s resignation The handwritten letter from Keir Starmer to Angela Rayner | SUPPLIED The Prime Minister has shared his disappointment in Angela Rayner’s “decision to resign from the Government”. In a three-page handwritten letter from Keir Starmer to the former Deputy Prime Minister, he wrote that he was “very sad that your time … has ended in this way”. “As you know we acted in accordance with the strengthened system relating to ministerial conduct that we put in place on coming into Government,” he said. “You were right to refer yourself to the Independent Adviser … and right to act on his conclusions.”

Lucy Powell departure follows outrage over grooming gang ‘dog whistle’ comment Lucy Powell dismissed the horrific rape gangs scandal as ‘little trumpet’ | PA Lucy Powell’s departure as Commons leader follows outrage after she suggested outrage over grooming gangs was a “dog whistle. Appearing on the BBC with Reform supporter Tim Montgomerie, he raised a Channel 4 documentary “about rape gangs.” Ms Powell, the MP for Manchester Central replied: “Oh, we want to blow that little trumpet now, do we? Yeah, OK, let’s get that dog whistle out.” The following week, she told MPs: “Can I actually thank him for raising with me what I said in an episode of Any Questions last week, so I can be absolutely clear with the House today, especially to the victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and grooming gangs, that I am very sorry for those remarks.”

REVEALED: Lib Dems clinch by-election victory as Reform UK narrowly falls short The Liberal Democrats saw success as they held off a Reform UK surge to win a key by-election. Nigel Farage’s party faced a fresh battle in the polls this week against Sir Ed Davey’s party during a by-election in Stopsley, a leafy suburb in the north-east of Luton, Bedfordshire. READ THE FULL ANALYSIS FROM GB NEWS HERE.

Lucy Powell and Ian Murray OUT as Head of the Commons and Scottish Secretary Lucy Powell and Ian Murray are out of the Government | PA Lucy Powell has been sacked as Leader of the House of Commons. Ms Powell, the MP for Manchester Central, had served in the role since Labour’s General Election victory. Meanwhile, Ian Murray, the MP for Edinburgh South is leaving his role as Scottish Secretary.

Diane Abbott offers support for Angela Rayner as reshuffle underway Heading back to Westminster now, and GB News understands a major Cabinet reshuffle is underway, with Rachel Reeves understood to be keeping her job as Chancellor. Former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott has expressed her support for Angela Rayner, calling her an ‘authentic’ part of the party’s movement. The veteran MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington said: “There are very many issues on which Angela Rayner and I disagree. “But she is at least an authentic part of the Labour movement. That cannot be said of many Right-wingers who are now delighted by her departure.”

WATCH: Nigel Farage says ‘We will stop the boats within two weeks of being in Government’ Reform UK’s Nigel Farage says his party will stop the boats within two weeks of winning the general election. A buoyant Mr Farage told Reform members at the Birmingham party conference that Britain is “in the most dangerous place it’s been in my life.” He spoke about the threats unfettered mass migration poses and how his party wants to clamp down on it. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Nigel Farage confirms Zia Yusuf will be Reform UK’s new ‘Head of Policy’ Nigel Farage has announced Zia Yusuf will be the new Head of Policy and that Reform will have its own department for preparing for government. The Reform leader praised the spread of the St George Cross and Union Flag across lamp posts as he announced the Muslim Brotherhood would be proscribed in a Reform UK Government. He added: “We will start producing our own oil and gas. We will end the full subsidies for renewable energy which has been going on your bills for years yet no one told you”

Nadine Dorries says the Conservative Party ‘does not deserve your loyalty’ Former Conservative minister Nadine Dorries was revealed as part of Reform UK | GETTY The former Tory Cabinet minister said: “The Conservative Party do not deserve your loyalty. Support Reform, do the right thing. “Frankly, any party which removes two election-winning prime ministers, replaces them with dud after dud, just does not deserve your support. “Nigel has got the answers.”

Nigel Farage delivers verdict on Angela Rayner’s resignation before welcoming Tory defector Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has delivered his verdict on Angela Rayner’s resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary. Mr Farage brought his keynote speech three hours forward to deliver his snap reaction to Ms Rayner’s resignation. Addressing Reform UK supporters at the NEC in Birmingham, Mr Farage said: “The reason I have moved this speaking time forward is because this Government is deep in crisis.” READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Nigel Farage says there is a ‘big rift’ in Labour Nigel Farage warned of a “big rift” in Labour and told Reform UK’s party conference that he thinks a general election could take place in 2027. The Clacton MP said: “We’re used to hearing stories of splits in the Conservative Party. We’re about to witness a big rift in the Labour Party, too,. “Before long, there’ll be Labour MPs that reckon they’ve got a better chance on the Jeremy Corbyn sectarian ticket…they’ve got a better chance of being re-elected under that ticket, under Corbyn, than they do under Sir Keir.” He added: “I think there is every chance now of a general election happening in 2027.”

Nigel Farage says he hates ‘sectarian politics’ as he takes aim at Jeremy Corbyn Nigel Farage speaking at the party’s national conference | GB NEWS Nigel Farage has slammed “sectarian politics” as he suggested Labour MP would desert the party and join Jeremy Corbyn’s Your Party. He added that the party needed to be ready for a General Election in 2027.

Nigel Farage says Labour ‘are not fit to govern’ as he launches conference speech Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said Labour are “not fit to govern” as he opened his party’s national conference speech. He said: “Not only have they fallen into deep unpopularity in just a year of winning the general election but it’s become clear to all of us that it is a Cabinet full of wholly unqualified people to run our country. “They are not fit to govern.”

Watch Christopher Hope’s snap reaction as Deputy PM steps down over tax scandal – ‘Disaster for Labour’ Watch as GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope explains the ramifications for the Government after it was announced that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will resign.

‘Big’ Cabinet reshuffle expected later today A Downing Street spokesman has confirmed a reshuffle will be happening later today. The Telegraph reports Chancellor Rachel Reeves will stay in her position. However, The Times reports it will be a “big” reshuffle.

WATCH: Nigel Farage provides his reaction to Angela Rayner’s resignation Angela Rayner resigns.

The splits in Labour are coming. pic.twitter.com/EnEo728qZ2 — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) September 5, 2025

Mel Stride says ‘no one is above the law’ in scathing attack on Angela Rayner Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said it was “utterly extraordinary” that Angela Rayner held on to her job. He said: “It took far too long to get to this point. Rayner tried to hang on to her job, and Labour did everything they could to protect her, even as serious questions mounted. “It’s utterly extraordinary that while working families and businesses are being hammered by Labour’s tax hikes, Angela Rayner failed to pay the right amount of stamp duty, by tens of thousands of pounds. “No one is above the law. No government minister should be setting the rules when they fail to keep them themselves.”

Angela Rayner QUITS roles as Deputy PM and Housing Secretary following stamp duty scandal Angela Rayner has quit the Government following outrage over the stamp duty scandal. The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne had been under fire about whether she broke ministerial standards rules over her tax affairs. Ms Rayner has now resigned from her roles as Deputy Prime Minister, Housing Secretary and Deputy Labour leader. READ FULL STORY HERE

Another Labour minister set to QUIT in latest blow to Keir Starmer amid Angela Rayner scandal Sir Keir Starmer with Poppy Gustafsson | Investment minister Baroness Poppy Gustafsson is set to leave the Government, it is understood. A formal announcement is likely to be made later today, according to Sky News. Baroness Gustafsson’s departure comes less than a year into her role, in which she was appointed in October last year. READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Richard Tice hints at U-turn on Reform’s £90bn tax cut pledge due to ‘nightmare’ UK finances Reform UK appears to be retreating from its bold promise to deliver £90billion in tax reductions, with deputy leader Richard Tice suggesting the party must reconsider its financial commitments. Ahead of this weekend’s Reform party conference, Tice indicated that the pledges made in their July 2024 manifesto were no longer suitable for future electoral contests. The admission marks a significant shift for the party, which had positioned itself as champions of tax reform during last year’s general election campaign. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

WATCH: Chopper breaks down significance behind Preston Manning appearance at Reform UK conference GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope has told People’s Channel viewers that the former Reform Party of Canada leader Preston Manning is set to attend the Birmingham event. Explaining the significance of Mr Manning’s appearance, Chopper described him as “almost the godfather” of Reform UK. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Labour defends meeting Israeli President amid outrage from backbenchers A minister has defended the prospect of UK Government figures meeting Israeli president Isaac Herzog on his visit to Britain next week amid criticism from within Labour ranks. Douglas Alexander said the UK must engage with Israeli as well as Palestinian authorities as part of its diplomatic push to end the Gaza war. The visit of an Israeli leader, at a time when the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is dire and Israel presses ahead with a major military offensive, has sparked outrage among some MPs. He told Sky News: “I’m genuinely not sure in terms of what the schedule is. “But I’d make a pretty basic point, first of all, diplomacy involves meeting people with whom you disagree and the British Government has very strong views in terms of the present conduct of the government of Israel. “It is right that we are engaging with politicians from across the region, because the suffering is incalculable and it needs to stop.”

GB News exclusively reveals special guest of Reform UK’s conference Reform Party leader Preston Manning | GETTY GB News can now reveal that Preston Manning is Nigel Farage’s surprise guest speaker at the party’s conference in Birmingham today. Mr Manning founded the Reform Party of Canada in 1989 and all but wiped out the Progressive Conservatives at the 1993 general election. Manning is seen by the party as the Godfather of Reform UK, who upended the Canadian political system on a ticket of slashing taxes and immigration, and overhaul of the senate.

Top Tory piles pressure on Kemi Badenoch by backing Robert Jenrick’s call for net emigration Matt Vickers has piled the pressure on Kemi Badenoch over immigration by backing Robert Jenrick’s calls for net emigration. The Conservative Party Deputy Chairman has supported calls from Mr Jenrick and Suella Braverman to commit to a decade of “net emigration”, which would mean fewer people come to the UK than leave. The policy would represent a radical shift in policy for the Tories who are battling to grasp the initiative from an insurgent Reform UK. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

WATCH: Tom Harwood gives GB News viewers sneak peak at Reform UK conference

Ellie Chowns announced as Green Party leader in Westminster Herefordshire North MP Ellie Chowns has been announced as the new Green Party leader in the Commons, saying she was “honoured” to accept the role. Mrs Chowns was chosen unanimously by her fellow MPs after her unsuccessful campaign to lead the party overall in the leadership contest won by Zack Polanski. She said: “I look forward to continuing to work with all my colleagues in Parliament and with the Green Party leadership team to build the fairer, greener future we need!”

Zia Yusuf says Reform UK is attracting people from ‘across the political spectrum’ as he welcomes Nadine Dorries Zia Yusuf appeared on GB News this morning to talk about the defection of Ms Dorries | GB NEWS Zia Yusuf has told GB News Reform UK is attracting people from “across the political spectrum” as he welcomed former Tory Minister Nadine Dorries to the party. The party’s chair of Doge UK said: “Go and listen to what she’s said…she said the Tory party is dead.

“We’re glad to welcome her and we’ve gathered lots of support from people who didn’t even vote at the last election. “Reform is attracting people from across the political spectrum who feel fed up.”

Senior Tory MP says party won’t be ‘distracted’ by Nadine Dorries announcement Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party Matt Vickers said his party “won’t be distracted” by the announcement that former Tory minister Nadine Dorries was joining Reform UK. Mr Vickers told GB News that Ms Dorries was a “friend” of his and “I’m not going to go after her, I wish her well.” He added: “The Conservative Party can’t be dead, this country needs the Conservative Party.” Vickers, the MP for Stockton West, also said a merger with Reform UK was “off the cards.”

Labour MPs urge Keir Starmer to cancel meeting with Israeli President Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to come to the UK | GETTY ​Labour MPs have called on the Prime Minister to cancel a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Herzog is expected in the UK on Wednesday and Thursday, the first time a senior Israeli leader has been in Britain since Spring. Labour MP for Rotherham Sarah Champion said: “The UK’s recognised the ‘real risk’ of genocide perpetuated by Israel, so unless this meeting is about peace, what message are we sending?” Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: “I am appalled at the decision to allow this representative of a government that is systematically killing Palestinian children on a daily basis to visit our country.” Liberal Democrats’ foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller said Starmer should “seize this chance to state unequivocally to president Herzog that there must be an end to the suffering in Gaza through an immediate ceasefire.”

What are Labour insiders saying about Angela Rayner? As pressure ramps up on Angela Rayner, various insiders have given an insight into the state of play for the Deputy Prime Minister. One ally of Rayner told Politico she will “probably ride through it” adding that “she’s the only one who speaks to the country.” However, they made it clear a deputy leadership race would be incredibly damaging for the party, warning: “We do not need any contest right now, that is the last thing we need.” Another Labour source told The i Rayner could be given a bespoke role of “party champion” to avoid her having to serve as deputy leader from the backbenches. But the BBC heard from one previously supportive MP that the Deputy Prime Minister must go if it turns out she’s been “bulls***ing all along.”

WATCH: Mel Stride takes aim at ‘fiscally irresponsible’ Reform UK The Conservatives will never merge with Reform UK as the party would take the country “into a very dark place”, Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride has said. Sir Mel also refused to rule out resigning from the Tories if its leader agreed to merge with Nigel Farage’s party. The Shadow Chancellor also launched a personal attack on Farage saying that he could not build a team to run the country and his party was a “one man band”. LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF CHOPPER’S POLITICAL PODCAST HERE.

Five biggest scandals that have rocked Labour since sweeping to power as Angela Rayner on the brink With Angela Rayner’s political future hanging by a thread, GB News has taken stock of the myriad scandals which have marred the Government since taking office last year. The Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave the Deputy Prime Minister their “full confidence” – while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said Ms Rayner had “sought to be transparent” in the scandal. Amid the fallout, Downing Street has refused to say when Sir Keir was first made aware of key details that led his deputy to refer herself for an ethics investigation. The latest tax row follows a series of high-profile scandals. As the Government desperately tries to contain the fallout, the People’s Channel looks back at a torrid first term… READ THE FULL GBN MEMBERSHIP STORY HERE

‘Prepare for 2027 General Election,’ Nigel Farage to tell Reform UK conference Nigel Farage will tell Reform UK members today to prepare for the collapse of the Labour Government in fewer than two years’ time. A senior party insider said: “The fracture of the Left is coming… If Nigel is right about that, the Government will fall in 2027.” Privately, Mr Farage puts this possibility at between 30 and 40 per cent – and one insider said he will spell this out at the party’s conference in Birmingham… READ THE FULL STORY FROM POLITICAL EDITOR CHRISTOPHER HOPE HERE

Reform UK ‘becoming mainstream’ as it rakes in support across Britain, breakthrough new poll reveals Nigel Farage’s party is ‘becoming increasingly mainstream’ as it attracts new support | Reform UK’s base is becoming increasingly mainstream as the party attracts new support, polls ahead of today’s conference show. New data from More In Common revealed that there was a narrowed gender gap, a more even distribution of support across age groups than Labour or the Conservatives has, and that many Reform supporters were broadly in line with average views on social issues. Luke Tryl, the polling firm’s director, said: “What jumps out from this research is how difficult it now is to pigeonhole Reform voters; as their support base has grown, their voters look more and more like the average Briton. “That brings with it challenges too; can Reform balance the more radical demands of its most engaged online supporters with its more cautious recent converts? “Can Reform maintain its disillusioned broad church with a focus on immigration, or does a coalition split right and left on key economic policy questions prove ultimately too unstable?” Some 86 per cent of Reform backers would support a reduction in net migration, compared with 58 per cent of the wider public. Since the last General Election, the poll found that the gender gap has narrowed from around 1.4 men for every woman voting Reform in 2024 – to roughly 1.2 men now.

In Westminster… Angela Rayner braces for SACK after Keir Starmer confirms: ‘It’s my decision’ Sir Keir Starmer has admitted he is prepared to sack Angela Rayner if a standards investigation finds she broke the ministerial code over an underpayment of property taxes on her flat. Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s independent adviser on ministerial standards, is expected to publish the report on Ms Rayner’s conduct on Friday. Sir Keir said he would “act” on Sir Laurie’s findings if he concludes the Deputy PM breached the code, vowing: “We need to establish the facts and come to a conclusion. “Obviously, I will look very carefully at whatever report he puts in front of me… and then of course I will act.” READ THE FULL STORY ON THE DEPUTY PM HERE

Reform aims to ‘wipe floor’ with Labour in Midlands

Image caption, Warwickshire County Council Leader George Finch says he is confident Reform can take control of the region’s two biggest cities next year.

Author, Simon Gilbert Role, BBC Political Reporter, Coventry and Warwickshire

5 September 2025

Reform UK aims to “wipe the floor” with the opposition ahead of all-out council elections in Coventry and Birmingham next year.

That was the message delivered by Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch as thousands travelled from across the country to the party’s annual conference at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Friday.

Here in the West Midlands, the party’s momentum appears to be building – having taken control of Staffordshire County Council and leading Warwickshire County Council.

But can Reform use its conference here as a launchpad to take its success in the shires to the region’s biggest cities?

Image source, Reuters Image caption, Reform UK chose to hold its annual conference at the NEC with Nigel Farage taking to the stage on both days.

Asked if, as a leader, Finch was confident of being able to demonstrate the party was capable of governing, he said: “We’re doing it already in Warwickshire; I cannot wait to see next year when the Coventry elections happen.

He added: “I think we can win the whole thing. We’ve got Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council elections next year; we’re going to wipe the floor with the lot.”

A decent electoral showing in the region’s two biggest cities would send a strong statement – especially to Labour, which currently controls the two local authorities.

But success could also be sentimental for the party whose life began when it was launched in Coventry back in 2019 – originally as the Brexit Party.

Image caption, Councillor Jackie Gardiner believes Reform can remove Labour from power at Coventry City Council.

Councillor Jackie Gardiner is the leader of the Reform Group on Coventry City Council.

Asked if she was confident the party could actually take control of a council where 39 of the 54 seats were currently held by Labour, she said: “Absolutely. Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s possible for us to win.”

She added: “We take nothing for granted; we have to work hard, and if the people of Coventry want the change, it is possible.”

The party conference demonstrated the pulling power of the party, with thousands of people queuing hundreds of metres for over an hour to get into the NEC.

But whether that momentum can be maintained will be key to the party’s success. Next year’s local elections will offer the best insight yet into whether the party has the staying power to govern at the highest level.

NIGEL Farage ­yesterday vowed to stop migrant boats crossing the Channel “within two weeks” if he gets to be Prime Minister.

The Reform UK leader also told supporters at the party conference in Birmingham to prepare for an early General Election in 2027 as the Labour Government struggles.

5 Reform UK chief Nigel Farage told supporters gathered in Birmingham to prepare for an early general election in 2027 as the government struggles Credit: Reuters

5 Farage ­yesterday vowed to stop the boats ‘within two weeks’ if he is ever made PM Credit: PA

5 Swathes of ex Tories also joined the event, including defecting ex-Culture Secretary and top Boris Johnson ally Nadine Dorries Credit: Getty

To whoops and cheers, he predicted that Angela Rayner’s resignation could trigger a Labour civil war, splintering the party and bringing forward the 2029 poll date.

He let rip after walking on to the conference stage in front of 6,000 supporters against a backdrop of booming music and pyrotechnics.

We will detain and deport those who illegally break into our country like every normal country does Farage

And just as Sir Keir Starmer was grappling with a cabinet crisis at No10, Mr Farage pledged action.

He told party members: “We will deport foreign criminals. We will stop what is a threat to our national security, what is a danger to girls and women on our streets.”

Mr Farage added: “We will stop the boats and we will detain and deport those who illegally break into our country doing what nearly every normal country around the rest of the world does.”

He went on: “You cannot come here illegally and stay. We will stop the boats within two weeks of winning government.”

Turning to the drama engulfing Labour, Mr Farage claimed a civil war was set to erupt on the left.

He argued Marxist-inclined MPs will defy any bid by PM Sir Keir to form a centrist vision for Britain.

Instead, Mr Farage insisted, the left will implode into factions, paving the way for sectarian politicians obsessed with Palestine to rise.

He told the Reform faithful: “I think if there is one really big message from me to this conference, it is that before long, there will be Labour MPs that reckon they’ve got a better chance on the Jeremy Corbyn sectarian ticket.

“We have sectarian politics emerging. I loathe it. I loathe it.

“But there will come a point when many MPs think they’ve got a better chance of being re-elected under that ticket under Corbyn than they do under Sir Keir.”

We will stop what is a threat to our national security, what is a danger to girls and women on our streets Farage

Turning attention to ex-Labour No2 Ms Rayner, he added: “It was inevitable, wasn’t it? Really, you can’t be Housing Secretary and avoid £40,000 worth of stamp duty. It’s just as simple as that.”

Away from the turquoise-clad crowds, senior advisors to Mr Farage rejoiced at the Ashton-under-Lyne MP’s downfall.

They privately said that a Labour Party under the more charismatic former Deputy PM would have been a more challenging prospect than a fight against Sir Keir.

Zia: We’ll put Brits first REFORM will put British people first and end their treatment as “second-class citizens” in the country, Zia Yusuf has pledged. The party’s new Head of Policy said the rights of people with UK passports had been superseded. He said: “I see a Britain which puts British people first. This is no pipe dream. This is now truly on the cards.” He said he wanted to end an era “in which those who played by the rules their whole lives are robbed by the state to pay for those who break them”. In his speech at the conference, Mr Yusuf, already the party’s efficiency chief, added: “It’s time for us to stand up and write the next chapter in our great country’s story. “It’s time to put the needs, the hopes, the dreams of British people first.” He added that Reform will be ready if an early election is called. He said: “The era of British decline will soon be at an end.”

Reform went into its two-day conference in Britain’s second city with a ten-point poll lead through its stance on migration and crime..

In a move to look serious about winning No10, Mr Farage yesterday announced a new Department for Preparing for Government.

At one point, he broke off from his delivery to introduce former Conservative culture secretary Nadine Dorries, who defected to Reform on Thursday night.

When Nigel is Prime Minister, there will not be a judge in the country that will be able to prevent a single deportation flight from leaving Zia Yusuf

He also revealed that Zia Yusuf, who leads Reform’s waste-cutting Department of Government Efficiency, will take on the additional role of Head of Policy.

In his conference address, Mr Yusuf said: “We are on the brink of ending a tragic era in this country’s history, an era in which British people have been made second-class citizens in their own country.

“Our plan is the only appropriate response to a national security emergency. It will also immediately stop the boats from coming by sending a clear message — that being in our country illegally now has an iron-clad consequence, immediate removal.”

Mr Yusuf added: “When Nigel is Prime Minister, there will not be a judge in the country that will be able to prevent a single deportation flight from leaving.”

5 Reform went into its two-day conference in Birmingham with a 10-point lead in the polls through its hardliner stance on migration and crime Credit: PA

5 Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Andrea Jenkyns speaking at the event Credit: AFP

Also appearing on stage was Reform UK’s Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns.

She appeared in a blue sequinned jumpsuit and belted out her self-penned song Insomniac.

She said: “Are this awful Labour government giving you sleepless nights as well?”

On a local level, Reform’s Leader of Kent County Council, Linden Kemkaran, announced the authority would “undeclare a climate emergency” announced in 2019 to make £30million in net zero savings.

She said: “It no longer exists in Kent, and by undeclaring the climate emergency that means we can take out all the net zero commitments written into the constitution.”

Reform’s conference also was marked by MP defection announcements and the odd celebrity appearance.

Heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora was spotted wandering among the crowd, as was comedian Jim Davidson.

Swathes of former Tories also joined the event.

Responding to day one of the conference, Labour said: “Nigel Farage could have used his conference speech to offer more than just anger without answers and to say more than just ‘don’t know’ to the problems facing the country.

“He didn’t. It was the same old parade of complaints we’ve heard before. His answer to the charge that Reform is a one-man band was to unveil one of the faces of Tory failure from the last Tory Government, Nadine Dorries.”

The spokesman added: “Farage has proven again he’s incapable of acting in the best interests of Britain.”

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride accused Reform of “peddling Jeremy Corbyn-style economics”, particularly over pledges to restore winter fuel payments and scrap the two-child benefit cap.

Mr Stride said: “Reform and Labour are two sides of the same coin, meaning higher taxes, higher borrowing and higher debt. No wonder there was no mention of debt or the deficit in Nigel Farage’s speech.”