Nigel Farage has been elected as an MP for the first time, with his Reform UK party securing four seats in the 2024 general election. Farage won Clacton in Essex with an 8,000-vote majority, overturning a 25,000-vote Conservative lead.
In a speech following his victory, Farage said, “This is the first step of something that is going to stun all of you.” He emphasized the party’s ambition to challenge Labour, stating, “There is a massive gap on the centre-right of British politics and my job is to fill it.”
Reform UK also captured Great Yarmouth, Boston and Skegness, and Ashfield. Former Conservative MP Lee Anderson retained his Ashfield seat after defecting to Reform in March. Commenting on the broader implications of Reform’s success, Farage said, “What is interesting is, there’s no enthusiasm for Labour, there’s no enthusiasm for Starmer whatsoever. We’re coming for Labour, be in no doubt about that.”
Reform UK chairman Richard Tice overturned a 27,402-vote Conservative majority in Boston and Skegness, while businessman and former Southampton FC chairman Rupert Lowe won in Great Yarmouth. Farage suggested that Reform’s performance marks the beginning of significant changes in UK politics, declaring, “This is the beginning of the end of the Conservative Party.”
Polling expert Sir John Curtice noted Reform’s ability to attract former Conservative voters, particularly in Brexit-supporting areas. Despite a mixed success rate in Labour-held seats, Farage reiterated his aim to establish Reform as the main opposition to Labour by the next election.
