I saw all Reform’s weaknesses on display in Makerfield – Farage should be worried
From a hopeless candidate to botched strategy, this latest byelection defeat is telling. But for Labour, there is still a long and arduous journey ahead
TL;DR
- Labour's Andy Burnham won the Makerfield byelection with 55% of the vote, significantly ahead of Reform UK's 35%.
- The result contrasts with Reform UK's strong performance in recent local elections, suggesting a loss of momentum.
- Issues identified with Reform UK include a "hopeless candidate" with problematic social media history, disorientation, and incompetence.
- Farage's increasingly extreme rhetoric, including a call for "pure, cold rage" and divisive comments about white people, may be alienating voters.
- The article notes that Reform faces a dilemma: alienating some by being "too racist or not racist enough" and struggling to connect with working-class voters.
- Despite setbacks, Reform's recent local election gains in areas like Thurrock and Sandwell show their ability to undermine traditional parties like Labour.
- The author suggests the Makerfield result is "the end of the beginning" of a crucial and fascinating political period for the UK.