Farage aims to secure victory in three mayoral races and an additional parliamentary seat; however, he cautions that the greatest danger may lie in failing to fulfill pledged commitments.
Nigel Farage's got his sights set on snagging a couple of mayoralties in this week's local elections, and maybe even the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. But the boffin from Reform UK has a burning fear: winning the votes but failing to deliver on those promises. Councillors from England will be facing the election front on Thursday, including six mayoralties contest.
The Runcorn and Helsby by-election is on the cards following Labour's Mike Amesbury's resignation after punching a constituent[5]. Farage is aiming to capitalize on the momentum he built during the general election last year and intends to swap the Conservatives as the main opposition party.
So, what about Farage's goals? When asked, he confessed to feeling more optimistic about winning in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. He predicted that Reform UK would make a ascent in the national vote share, even going as far as to say they might win two or possibly three mayoralties. His best bets for Reform UK's success are Hull, Lincolnshire, and Doncaster[5].
A curious inquiry was if Reform UK would form alliances with Labour or Tory councillors on a local level to control authorities. Farage stated any partnerships would have to be based on the conditions of council finances being audited and local authorities ceasing their crusade against climate change[5].
But Farage wasn't up for making deals with Labour or the Conservatives[5]. The risk he sees for his party is achieving victory in mayoralties and county councils but failing to follow through on their promises[5]. If Reform UK doesn't deliver, voters might brand them as just another run-of-the-mill party.
Farage believes Reform UK's success lies in the fact that voters trust them and have lost faith in other parties[5]. He gave his take on the NHS, stating that he seeks a change in the way it's funded, desiring it to be "free at the point of delivery" but not "funded through general taxation." He claims the UK gets a poor return on investment when it comes to health spending[5].
Lastly, Farage commented on Labour expressing discontent over the suggestion that millionaires might have to shoulder some of the healthcare costs. He found it peculiar for Labour to be in such a position[5]. The interview with Nigel Farage is part of a series of election previews with all major parties invited.
Sources:[1] Badenoch warns of 'long road ahead' for Tories[2] Starmer warns against Tory-Reform pact[3] Why PM looks set to U-turn[4] Enrichment Insight: Nigel Farage's goals[5] Enrichment Insight: Nigel Farage's fears and stances on the NHS
Nigel Farage warned about the risk of his party, Reform UK, failing to deliver on their promises if they win in mayoralties and county councils. He stated that such a failure might lead voters to consider them just another ordinary party.
Farage also stated his stance on the NHS, proposing a change in the way it's funded, with a desire for it to be "free at the point of delivery" but not "funded through general taxation."
In politics, Farage declined to form alliances with Labour or the Conservatives on a local level, expressing a desire for council finances to be audited and for local authorities to cease their crusade against climate change.
Despite Labour's discontent over the suggestion that millionaires might have to shoulder some of the healthcare costs, Farage found it peculiar for Labour to be in such a position.
