Nigel's army: Reform's plans for victory
Now that the party has hit 30 per cent in the polls, Reform strategists insist the vote share can go higher: 40 per cent is viewed as a realistic target. Zia Yusuf, the party chairman, likes to describe Reform as a 'start-up', breaking apart SW1's monopolistic cartel. This high-ambition, high-growth strategy yielded 677 councillors in the local elections last month.
But, as with any new firm in a competitive market, the challenge is how to scale up at speed. More than 3,000 candidates must be found by next May, owing to a bumper set of elections across the country. In London alone, there will be 1,800 council seats up for grabs. 'The vetting will be a nightmare,' groans one aide. Most attention will be on Scotland and Wales, where the different electoral systems will influence decisions on candidate announcements. Cardiff Bay's new voting system, which is not constituency-based, means organisers see little benefit in publishing names until next year.
Such work is happening alongside planning for the general election in 2029. The British system has traditionally prized party loyalty and slow, steady advancement through the ranks. MPs attempt to climb the greasy pole; cabinet ministers emerge after many years in parliament. A Farage victory would, by necessity, make a break with all that.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
44 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Fresh boost for Nigel Farage as Britain's top firms book slots at Reform conference
Labour 's panic over Reform deepened last night amid fears that big businesses are following voters and increasingly supporting Nigel Farage 's party. One Cabinet minister confessed to The Mail on Sunday that many leading companies will now attend Reform's high-profile autumn conference in Birmingham. It came as Mr Farage insisted yesterday that his own health was fine, dismissing talk that his lifestyle and relentless schedule were taking their toll, and blaming suggestions to the contrary on rumours spread by Labour and Tory rivals 'because it's the last card they've got'. He joked that he doubted the British Medical Association 'would hold me up as a pin-up boy' but declared: 'I'm feeling good.' However, he later admitted that he was trying to 'moderate with age'. All the parties are currently gearing up for the autumn conference season, with Labour's gathering in Liverpool expected to dwarf the Conservative event in Manchester. Traditionally, conference attendance by major corporate leaders tends to be highest at whichever party is in power, with the official Opposition party reduced to the second-best showing. But one leading Labour minister privately forecast that Reform was likely to upend that tradition this year, saying all the major businesses they had spoken to had said they would buy a stand at the Reform event in Birmingham. The minister said: 'They say they have to. It came as Mr Farage insisted yesterday that his own health was fine, dismissing talk that his lifestyle and relentless schedule were taking their toll, and blaming suggestions to the contrary on rumours spread by Labour and Tory rivals 'because it's the last card they've got' The forecasts come after Sir Keir Starmer made plain that even though Reform had only four MPs, Mr Farage's party – which is leading in recent polls – was Labour's main enemy at the next General Election 'They said that it's the polling numbers – it's making everyone feel they can't miss it this year.' That has stoked Labour fears over the momentum Mr Farage's party is likely to get from the conference season. One Labour source said: 'Business leaders want a presence at Reform partly because they are an unknown – they want their teams to get more detail on policy.' The forecasts come after Sir Keir Starmer made plain that even though Reform had only four MPs, Mr Farage's party – which is leading in recent polls – was Labour's main enemy at the next General Election. Last night there were claims that Labour in the North West was seeking to hire a campaign worker to help save Cabinet ministers Jonathan Reynolds and Angela Rayner from losing their Commons' seats to Reform at the next election.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Huge car brand returning to the UK selling all EV line-up only available in four countries
The legendary manufacturer's return to Great Britain signals the accelerating evolution of the automotive industry, with petrol-guzzling muscle cars making way for emission-free automobiles An iconic name in the automotive world is making a clean break from its past and gearing up for a major return to the UK market following an eight-year absence. American luxury brand Cadillac, which has long been associated with big V8s and bold design, will be offering a lineup of fully electric vehicles when it relaunches on British soil. Cadillac's return is a bold move by General Motors (GM), which established its European headquarters in Zurich back in 2021 as part of a renewed continental push. The first UK-bound model will be the Cadillac Lyriq, a premium all-electric SUV retailing at around £68,000, that has so far only been available in Switzerland, France, Sweden and Germany. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule. According to CEO of GM Europe, Pere Brugal, the brand will focus solely on electric vehicles, with the UK being one of its key markets going forward. He told Autocar: "It is one of the [markets] that we're focusing on right now." While the UK release date hasn't yet been revealed, the CEO did confirm the Lyric will be available soon after final testing is completed in Ireland, and that Cadillac is aiming to launch in the UK with at least two models. But Mr Brugal declined to confirm which ones will be joining the Lyriq, saying: "We want to make sure we launch not only with one model portfolio. We want to make sure we launch with at least a two-model portfolio." The specifications of the Lyriq are impressive — the entry-level version offers a range of around 330 miles and generates 520bhp. Those wanting an extra boost can choose the performance-focused top-tier model, which increases power to 606bhp. However, as Mr Brugal pointed out, launching in the UK is not just about shipping cars across the Atlantic. The ability to import Cadillac's growing portfolio will depend heavily on the alignment of emission regulations and safety standards between the US and Europe. "If the regulations between the US and Europe harmonise, it will make our life easier," he explained. "We will bring a lot of benefit to the final customer, because that will increase the range of options.' He also noted the possibility of designing a bespoke GM model specifically for European tastes. Unlike previous Cadillac ventures in the UK, the relaunch will eschew traditional dealership networks. Instead, the all-electric models will be sold using an online-based model, supported by pop-up 'experience' centres inviting customers to see, drive and configure their cars. This strategic attempt to modernise the buying experience mirrors the approach used by other EV manufacturers such as Polestar. As the Lyriq prepares to hit UK roads, Cadillac's all-electric resurgence signals not just the return of an iconic brand, but also the accelerating evolution of the automotive industry, with tradition giving way to innovation and petrol-guzzling muscle cars making way for emission-free automobiles.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major UK high street bank quits UN-backed net zero alliance as it says body ‘not fit for purpose'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR high street bank has become the latest British lender to quit the Net Zero Banking Alliance, the bank said on Friday. Barclays argued that the departure of several global lenders has left it no longer fit to support the bank's green transition. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Barclays has become the latest British lender to quit the Net Zero Banking Alliance Barclays' decision to quit the foremost banking alliance focused on tackling climate change follows on from HSBC and several major US banks. It also raises questions about the ability of the group to influence change in the sector going forward. The bank said in a statement on its website: "After consideration, we have decided to withdraw from the Net Zero Banking Alliance." It added that its commitment to be net zero by 2050 remained unchanged and that it still saw a commercial opportunity for itself and its clients in the energy transition. Earlier this week Barclays published the first update on its sustainability strategy in several years. It said the bank made £500 million in revenue from sustainable and low-carbon transition finance in 2024. Jeanne Martin, co-director of corporate engagement at responsible investment NGO ShareAction called the decision to leave the Net Zero Banking Alliance "incredibly disappointing and a step in the wrong direction at a time when the dangers of climate change are rapidly mounting." Barclays said the alliance was no longer fit for its purpose: "With the departure of most of the global banks, the organisation no longer has the membership to support our transition." The Net Zero Banking Alliance, a global initiative launched by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, lists more than 100 members on its website - including leading international financial institutions. A spokesperson for the alliance said it remains focused on "supporting its members to lead on climate by addressing the barriers preventing their clients from investing in the net-zero transition." Daily Money News It comes after it was announced that Barclays is slashing interest rates on its popular Rainy Day for the third time in less than seven months. From August 4, the interest rate for balances up to £5,000 will fall from 4.61% to 4.36%. The Rainy Day Saver account, which offers easy access to funds, has been a favourite among Barclays' 20 million customers. It is designed for balances up to £5,000, with savers earning the higher rate on the first £5,000 – currently 4.61%. Savings above this threshold earn just 1% interest, but customers benefit from instant access to their money at any time. At the current rate, holding £5,000 in the account would earn you £230.50 in interest over 12 months. However, when the rate drops to 4.36%, this will fall to £218 - a loss of £12.50 per year. Once boasting a competitive 5.12% interest rate earlier this year, Barclays has steadily chipped away at its appeal. In February, the rate dropped to 4.87%, followed by another cut in April to 4.61%. In February, the bank reduced the rate to 4.87%, followed by another cut in April to 4.61%. Now, just months later, rates are set to drop again, leaving savers questioning whether to stick with the account or explore better options elsewhere.
