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Telegraph

Reform must shape up if it is to challenge Labour at the next election

SIR – Rupert Lowe, the suspended MP for Great Yarmouth, is correct in his criticisms ('Civil war as Reform chief clashes with Farage critic', report, March 8); Reform needs to get more structured and more radical to present a powerful alternative to the other parties. At present Reform is a party of protest, such as Nigel Farage has led many times before. Mr Farage needs to empower his MPs and others around him to create a clear policy platform and a structured party apparatus before the next election. Moreover, Reform must avoid becoming a replacement Conservative Party, tempting as that might be. Only a novel approach to politics can supersede the failures of past Conservative governments on immigration, economy, the Covid-19 pandemic and foreign policy. Reform must be bold to beat Labour at the next election. Labour will use a New Labour-style play-book to grow the party's popularity by 2029, embracing housing expansion, digital ID cards, spending cuts and moderate immigration reduction. Reform is the only force that can step up to displace this Government. Anders Seyersted Richmond, Surrey SIR – With (for now) only five MPs, it is easy to suggest a serious split in Reform UK when one steps out in public to criticise aspects of leadership and policy. Power plays like this never benefit the party. Reform does have areas of policy that have attracted more than 200,000 members. Policies on immigration, energy, economics, defence and reducing the size of the state are well known and are the framework on which to build for future elections. Reform is in good health and Nigel Farage has time and time again shown leadership, guts and determination. The current spat will pass. James Kent Northallerton, North Yorkshire SIR – The current eruption of infighting in Reform UK at least proves it is a real political party. Michael West Poole, Dorset SIR – Nigel Farage, Zia Yusuf and Lee Anderson's spat with Rupert Lowe follows a similar falling-out with Ben Habib. They are scuppering Reform's chances of a general election win. Reform must properly democratise and Nigel Farage must allow it. He must form a genuine 'government in waiting' cadre of potential MPs and prospective ministers. He must learn to be bigger than a one-man band. Tim Pope Weybridge, Surrey SIR – The 1963 hit It's My Party ('and I'll cry if I want to') by Lesley Gore sums up the problems with Reform UK. The party is run for Nigel Farage by Nigel Farage, and it's stuck in the past. Oliver Tyson Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire