The upstart Reform UK party has emerged as a serious contender in British politics. The right-wing populist movement is threatening to overtake the ruling Labour Party in the polls and its leader, Nigel Farage,

The crowd seemed to be having fun, even though it is plain some of those gathered there have been drawn in because they are deeply disgruntled with the status quo in the UK. A newly joined party member said he was there because Farage "is a breath of fresh air" and current politicians were failing to give younger generations a chance to get on.

Already a rebel group of councillors have stood up against Farage's leadership, primarily because of issues they have with party management. Then there is the Elon Musk bust-up, after the billionaire declared Reform should change leader, apparently due to Farage not backing Tommy Robinson.

Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK is now just a point behind Britain’s incumbent Labour Party, according to a new poll.

Elon Musk has said Reform UK needs a new leader because Nigel Farage “doesn’t have what it takes”. The tech billionaire’s comments came just hours after Farage described him as “a hero”. His latest intervention on UK politics casts serious doubt on claims he was prepared to make a substantial donation to Reform.

Kemi Badenoch rebuffed calls for the Conservatives to merge with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. She also spoke on mistakes by the last Conservative governments over Brexit as she promised if elected by the British public she would “give you your country back.