Sophie, a Political Correspondent at the Mirror since December 2022, covers UK politics with a focus on prisons, the justice system, education, and online safety.
At the commencement of Reform UK’s conference yesterday, Nigel Farage once again prioritized style over substance. Emulating his idol Donald Trump, the party leader made a grand entrance with vibrant music and a pyrotechnic catwalk but failed to present any new policy initiatives to his loyal followers. Despite one supporter spending around £600 to attend, the event seemed to be more about theatrics, flag-waving, and jokes rather than serious political discourse.
Attempting to dispel the notion that Reform UK is solely centered around him, Farage’s last-minute speech relocation to avoid clashing with Keir Starmer’s reshuffle hinted at his desire to retain the spotlight. Colleagues, including Reform UK’s Greater Lincolnshire mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns, echoed the sentiment that Farage is the savior of Britain.
In his address, Farage painted a bleak picture of the country, emphasizing economic decline, societal breakdown, and cultural deterioration, without offering concrete solutions. Despite reiterating his promise to resolve the small boats crisis within two weeks if elected, his immigration proposals faced criticism when initially introduced.
Labour criticized Farage for delivering “anger without answers,” labeling his speech as a repetitive litany of grievances. The event encapsulated Reform UK’s approach of flashy displays, loud music, and a lack of substantive policy discussions.
Amidst the spectacle, colleague Dame Andrea stole the show with her sequined blue jumpsuit and a quirky performance singing about insomniacs and the nation’s impending disaster. While her sentiments may hold some truth, both she and Farage represent a foreboding future for the country.