Nigel Farage Vows to Professionalize Reform UK Amid Controversies and Criticism on Climate Policies

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, addressed his party’s annual conference in Birmingham, outlining plans to “professionalize” the party by implementing rigorous vetting procedures for future candidates. Farage emphasized the need to exclude “bigots” and “extremists” from the party ranks following a series of controversies regarding past comments made by some candidates.

“We haven’t been professional enough,” Farage admitted, acknowledging that these issues had harmed the party’s recent election performance, where they secured five seats in July’s general election. However, he also noted that Reform UK was “coming of age” and appealed to the “silent majority.”

Despite the victory, Farage expressed frustration over the party’s “amateurism,” which he believes cost them additional seats. To combat such issues, Farage announced Reform UK will be adopting a strategy similar to that of the Liberal Democrats, focusing on winning more council seats in local elections to enhance their national electoral performance. The party aims to secure “hundreds” more seats in upcoming May polls.

The party, previously known as the Brexit Party, was established ahead of the European Parliament elections in 2019 and rebranded in 2021. It has since focused on issues such as reducing immigration, implementing tougher crime policies, and reducing taxes.

Farage’s address coincided with a DeSmog investigation revealing Reform UK’s backing from fossil fuel investors and climate science denial groups. Critics, including Georgie Laming from the charity HOPE not hate, have accused the party of prioritizing the interests of these backers over environmental concerns.

During the conference, Farage reiterated the party’s stance on climate change, challenging mainstream science while advocating for increasing fossil fuel extraction. These policies align with views expressed by other figures associated with the party, who argue against the imposition of net-zero targets, claiming they economically burden ordinary citizens.

Reform UK’s connections with right-wing media channels also came into focus, with Farage and other party members regularly appearing on platforms like GB News. Financial links to prominent Tory donors and figures within fringe climate groups further emphasize the party’s divisive stance on environmental and social matters.