Reform UK made a big splash at their local election launch in Birmingham, with millionaire businessman and Brexit backer, Arron Banks, announced as their mayoral candidate for the West of England.
Banks, a prominent figure in the Leave EU campaign and one of the largest Ukip donors, expressed confidence in his candidacy, even if he admitted that he wasn’t exactly popular in Bristol.
His slogan? “Vote Banksy for Bristol,” hoping to make a bold statement in the upcoming race.
Nigel Farage Makes Headlines with Pothole Pro Campaign
Reform UK’s leader, Nigel Farage, stole the show during his speech by arriving in a JCB vehicle—a symbolic gesture he described as the “pothole pro.”
Farage, who is no stranger to controversy, stated that potholes were the “perfect symbol for broken Britain” and used them to represent the country’s wider issues.
He also took aim at the European Court of Human Rights, promising that a Reform UK government would leave it behind and scrap the Human Rights Act, which he claimed was vital to British judges.
Tough Talk on Immigration and Deportations
Farage didn’t stop there. He doubled down on his tough stance on immigration, stating that no one arriving in the UK by lorry or boat would be granted refugee status.
With a forceful tone, Farage made it clear that anyone coming to the UK illegally would be deported immediately.
His rhetoric was met with a standing ovation and chants of “Nigel” from his supporters, reflecting the deep connection his party members felt toward his stance on the issue.
Richard Tice Brings Trump-esque Rhetoric to the Stage
Deputy leader Richard Tice continued to rally the crowd with rhetoric reminiscent of Donald Trump’s political style.
He asked the audience, “Do you want to make Britain great again?” Tice’s enthusiasm was evident as he sought to motivate Reform members with a promise of making Britain strong again under the leadership of Nigel Farage.
He also discussed potential reforms, including a UK version of the US Department of Government Efficiency, which would work at a local level to improve the country’s administrative structures.
Lee Anderson Stirs Controversy with Islamophobia Comments
In a more contentious moment, Reform MP Lee Anderson took to the stage to speak about Islamophobia.
Anderson boldly declared, “There’s no such thing as Islamophobia. It’s a made-up word.”
His comments were met with mixed reactions, with some members of the audience cheering, but others raising concerns about his views.
Farage Criticizes Tax Changes and Advocates for Lower Taxes
Farage also addressed the nation’s tax policies, criticizing the recent changes to the non-dom tax laws that reportedly led steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal to leave the UK.
He argued that higher tax rates on the wealthy, especially those who contribute significantly to public services, would be detrimental to the economy.
Farage emphasized that reforming the tax system to make the UK more attractive for wealthy individuals was crucial for funding essential public services.
Farage Pushes for Cuts to Administrative Bureaucracy
During his speech, Farage highlighted the need for significant cuts in the administrative state, which he claimed had grown “out of proportion.”
He suggested that this would free up funds to support the lower-income population and improve public services.
He also argued that the government should focus on efficiency, and joked that the UK needed its own version of the US’s Department of Government Efficiency, inspired by Elon Musk’s vision.
A Grand Exit with a Hi-Vis Vest
The event concluded with Farage receiving a standing ovation and making a memorable exit.
Donning a light blue hi-vis vest, he used a T-shirt cannon to launch more vests into the crowd, ensuring the day would end with a bang.
His dramatic exit served to reinforce his image as an outsider leader with a strong connection to his supporters, willing to break from the norms to get his message across.
This political launch in Birmingham certainly set the stage for what promises to be an intense and high-profile election season for Reform UK as they push forward with bold claims and promises for the future of the country.