In an intense political showdown, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, and Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, became embroiled in a heated public dispute over membership numbers, with both parties claiming greater support from the British public.
The row began when Farage’s Reform UK boldly claimed to have surpassed the Conservative Party’s membership count, calling it “the real opposition.”
Reform projected an image of its internal membership figures on the facade of Conservative Party HQ in London, asserting it had reached 134,832 members, compared to the Conservative Party’s 131,680 members, a figure declared during its recent leadership election.
Farage, whose political career includes leading UKIP and the Brexit Party, celebrated what he described as a historic moment for Reform UK, calling the party “the youngest political party in British politics” and declaring it had outstripped the “oldest political party in the world.”
He further argued that Reform UK had now become the true challenger to Labour and the Conservative Party.
However, Kemi Badenoch quickly fired back, accusing Farage of manipulating figures and spreading misinformation. On social media, she dismissed Reform’s membership claims, arguing that her party had gained thousands of new members since she became leader in November.
Badenoch also suggested Reform had faked its membership figures by using a “fake clock” on its website to artificially inflate numbers.
“How do I know for certain the Reform announcement is not true?” Badenoch tweeted. “Because the Conservative Party has gained thousands of new members since the leadership election. But we don’t shout about it… We are building quietly and steadily on principles and values, not gimmicks.”
Badenoch emphasized that the Conservative Party’s focus remained on earning the trust of the British people, rather than engaging in tactics to manipulate perceptions, especially during the holiday season.
Farage was quick to challenge Badenoch’s accusations, pointing to Reform UK’s stronger online presence. He also proposed that an independent audit of both parties’ membership numbers by one of the “Big Four” accountancy firms would provide clarity.
“We understand you are bitter, upset, and angry that we are now the second biggest party in British politics,” Farage remarked. “However, this is not an excuse to accuse us of committing fraud. We will gladly invite one of the Big 4 firms in to audit our membership numbers as long as you do the same.”
Reform UK, which gained its first Member of Parliament earlier this year when former Tory Lee Anderson defected, has been capitalizing on growing concerns about immigration and crime.
It also recently overtook Labour in a national opinion poll, marking a significant shift in the UK’s political landscape.
With its membership numbers on the rise, Reform UK’s finances have also strengthened, bolstered by the recruitment of property tycoon Nick Candy as treasurer and rumors of a potential donation from tech mogul Elon Musk.
The Conservative Party has warned that voting for Reform UK could split the right-wing vote, benefiting Labour in the process.
Political analysts, such as Luke Tryl from the think tank More In Common, have drawn comparisons to Labour’s surge in membership under Jeremy Corbyn, arguing that membership alone doesn’t guarantee electoral success.
As tensions between Badenoch and Farage continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether their public feud will impact the future political landscape or whether their respective parties will be able to capitalize on their respective claims of growing support.
