Reform UK's Makerfield byelection candidate, Robert Kenyon, has faced criticism for sharing a video endorsing Ant Middleton, a former soldier and TV presenter known for controversial views. Middleton has made anti-Muslim comments and has been linked to far-right figures. The endorsement comes amid pressure from the Restore Britain party in the same contest.
Nigel Farage has remained largely out of the public eye for seven weeks following the revelation of a £5m crypto gift, cancelling events and limiting interviews. His party, Reform UK, is reportedly losing ground to a harder-right rival, and Farage's recent re-emergence was tightly controlled, with select media present and questions limited.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice struggled to definitively rule out further large gifts to party figures beyond a £5m donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Tice stated he was unaware of any other gifts and asserted the party complies with rules, while defending crypto and contrasting the donation with a bribery case.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has called for increased penalties for littering and fly-tipping, including raising fixed penalty notices to £5,000 and mandatory fines for commercial offenses. The party also proposed a national action day and stricter regulations for fast food outlets.
Reform UK and Conservatives are criticized for opposing net zero policies, which the CBI reports directly employ over 300,000 and support 1.1 million jobs. The article argues these parties promote fantasy industries and sabotage growth, potentially destroying 1.4 million jobs by 2040, while their funding comes from wealthy oil and gas interests.
The Bank of England warns of rising AI-generated scams after deepfake videos of Nigel Farage and Governor Andrew Bailey fighting spread online, urging vigilance and reporting of such content.
Nigel Farage's invitation for UK trade unions to affiliate with Reform UK has been unanimously rejected by major unions and the TUC, citing the party's opposition to new employment rights and alignment with corporate interests.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged local authorities run by the UK's Reform UK party to resume flying the Ukrainian flag, warning that such refusals are "small mistakes that can break a big friendship." Reform UK has a policy of only flying domestic flags.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch will pledge to scrap the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), arguing it promotes divisive identity politics. The move aims to position the Tories as a responsible alternative to both Labour’s approach to equality and Reform UK’s more radical stance.
Nigel Farage faced criticism from Keir Starmer over his response to the murder of Henry Nowak, with Starmer accusing Farage of exploiting the tragedy to create division. Farage's claims of a 'two-tier culture' in the UK were contradicted by data showing Hampshire police stop and search black people more frequently than white people. The incident sparked a semi-riot in Southampton, leaving 11 police officers and a dog injured, which Farage refused to condemn.
Henry Nowak, 18, morreu esfaqueado em Southampton após polícia não responder adequadamente aos seus apelos. O agressor, Vickrum Digwa, alegou falsamente ter sido vítima de racismo, o que gerou polêmica política e manifestações violentas.
Labour MPs are alarmed by significant donations to Reform UK from cryptocurrency billionaires Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, totaling £7m. Concerns are raised about transparency and the potential for wealthy overseas donors to influence politics, despite new electoral finance regulations.
Crypto billionaires Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo donated £7 million to Reform UK in Q1 2026, exceeding Conservative and Labour party hauls. These donations represent 28% of all political donations received in the quarter.
Reform UK received £7m from two British crypto billionaires living overseas earlier this year, boosting its fundraising. The donations came before a planned £100,000 cap on overseas British citizens' donations.
Reform UK's Makerfield by-election candidate, Robert Kenyon, views the contest as a "win-win" regardless of the outcome. He aims to challenge the Labour Party and represent a "working class lad" against the establishment.
Reform UK has raised £9m, largely from cryptocurrency billionaires, in the first quarter, significantly outstripping other parties. Major donations came from Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, raising concerns about big money in politics.
In the Makerfield by-election, Labour candidate Andy Burnham is adopting a positive campaign strategy, contrasting with his party's attacks on Reform UK. Burnham faces personal attacks from Reform UK, including AI-generated ads, forcing him to occasionally respond.
Keir Starmer has urged Nigel Farage to address a £5m personal gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, which is under investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner. Farage's explanation for the gift has shifted, and Starmer questioned why it was kept secret.
Sir Keir Starmer has accused Nigel Farage of exploiting the death of Henry Nowak to create "grievance and division." Farage suggested "two-tier policing" after Nowak was arrested while dying, and his killer falsely accused him of racism. The Prime Minister rejected Farage's call for "rage."
New research in Makerfield reveals voters prioritize cost of living, declining high streets, and public services. Many also express disillusionment with the political system and distrust of politicians, according to a focus group commissioned by 38 Degrees and JL Partners.
Research in Makerfield reveals voters prioritize cost of living, declining high streets, and public services. Many also express disillusionment with the political system and distrust of politicians, according to a focus group commissioned by 38 Degrees.
Keir Starmer condemned rioting in Southampton and Nigel Farage's call for "rage" following the murder of Henry Nowak, emphasizing the family's plea for unity and justice over division.
The Bank of England has shortlisted wildlife, including puffins, dolphins, and bumblebees, for new banknotes. The decision has sparked controversy, with some politicians criticizing the move, though the Bank cites anti-counterfeiting measures and celebrating UK wildlife. Public voting is open until July 3rd.
Politicians are calling for calm amid fears that right-wing groups are exploiting the murder of Henry Nowak by a Sikh man to incite racist sentiment against minority ethnic Britons. Nigel Farage's comments have drawn condemnation, while the victim's family has pleaded for the case not to be used to target communities.
