Lead

Reform UK has cemented its position as a major force in British politics, with a strong showing in recent local elections and a growing list of policy pledges aimed at curbing immigration. Yet, a closely watched by-election in northwest England has offered a counterpoint to the party's momentum, revealing both its strengths and its vulnerabilities. The results are being scrutinised not just in Britain, but in Australia, where One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has long been viewed as a kindred spirit to Reform UK's Nigel Farage.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage from Australia's ABC highlights the parallels between the two right-wing parties, noting that Reform UK and One Nation share a similar playbook and are drawing lessons from each other's successes. One ABC article focuses on Reform UK's recent electoral triumphs, including winning 1,453 council seats in England, becoming the opposition in the Welsh Parliament, and performing strongly in Scotland. The story quotes Joe Martin, a newly elected Reform UK member of the Welsh Parliament, who describes the similarities between Farage and Hanson as "striking." The other article, however, tells a different story, detailing how Labour's Andy Burnham secured a "crushing victory" in the Makerfield by-election, with Reform UK coming in a distant second despite being seen as a strong contender early in the campaign.

Key Claims

  • Reform UK's support has been rising in the UK, with the party winning 1,453 council seats in England and becoming the opposition in the Welsh Parliament. It also performed well in Scotland, according to reports from Australia's ABC.
  • Nigel Farage, who helped found Reform UK (originally the Brexit Party) in 2018, has been involved in politics for decades and came to prominence during the 2016 Brexit referendum. He has promised to deport up to 600,000 migrants living in the UK, end migrants' right to apply for permanent residency after five years, and refuse visas to anyone who uses people smugglers' services, as reported by the ABC.
  • The party's immigration-focused platform has drawn criticism, with some politicians accused of stoking tensions. A former Reform UK branch leader, Neville Watson, left the party in 2025 over concerns about its messaging, according to a single report.
  • In the Makerfield by-election, Burnham's victory was partly attributed to his local focus and the controversies plaguing Reform UK's candidate, Robert Kenyon.

Perspectives

Supporters of Reform UK

Proponents argue that the party is merely reflecting public concern about immigration and is offering mainstream policies that address the issue. They point to the party's electoral gains as evidence of its growing appeal.

Critics of Reform UK

Critics contend that the party's rhetoric is divisive and that its policy proposals, such as mass deportations, are impractical and inhumane. They also highlight the lack of a comprehensive plan for other policy areas.

Analysts Observing the Trend

Political observers note that while Reform UK has made significant inroads, the by-election results show that its support may have limits. They suggest that the party's success could be blunted if mainstream parties adopt stricter immigration policies or if it faces well-organized local opposition.

Conclusion

As Reform UK continues to shape British political discourse, its trajectory will be watched closely both at home and abroad. With the UK's migration issues differing from those Australia faced a decade ago—41,000 boat arrivals were recorded in the UK in 2025, compared to 25,000 in Australia in 2013—the full impact of populist politics remains to be seen. For now, the divergent outcomes in local elections suggest that while the appeal of anti-establishment politics is real, it is not invincible.