Reform UK has achieved an important political milestone by amassing more members than the Conservative Party, with their numbers now exceeding 131,680, previously held by the Tories.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage celebrated this moment by proclaiming his party as the “real opposition,” highlighting the historic shift where the youngest political party in Britain has overtaken the oldest. The surge in membership was part of a broader strategy to position Reform UK as a serious force in the UK’s political landscape, with Farage declaring his ambition to lead the party to Downing Street in 2029.
The growth in Reform UK’s membership has been nothing short of remarkable, especially after Farage’s return to leadership in June 2024, which saw an increase from 40,000 to 75,000 members within two months. The momentum was further boosted by targeted campaigns, including special membership deals for those under 25, and the establishment of local associations, which helped in rallying support.
The party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf, characterised the achievement as a breaking point of the Conservative’s long-standing dominance over centre-right politics, confidently predicting Farage’s future as Prime Minister. However, pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common advised caution, suggesting that while membership growth shows organisational strength, it does not necessarily equate to widespread public support.
This milestone comes at a time when traditional parties like the Conservatives and Labour are experiencing declines in membership.
The Conservative Party’s numbers have dwindled from a peak of 2.8 million in the 1950s to significantly lower figures today, while Labour, despite once boasting over 532,000 members under Jeremy Corbyn, is also seeing a decline.
Reform UK’s membership now outnumbers that of the Liberal Democrats and even surpasses the historical high of UKIP, signaling a potential shift in voter dynamics.
This is an historic moment.
The youngest political party in British politics has just overtaken the oldest political party in the world.
Reform UK are now the real opposition. pic.twitter.com/t8SOHThxp3
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) December 26, 2024
“We the people” are the real opposition, but only if we stop believing in their psyop called democracy .
Lets hope Reform UK isn’t another NZF…..