Reform UK’s Bold Plan

Reform UK’s push to install Nigel Farage in Downing Street by 2029 has led the party to abandon its “contract with the people” just two months after the general election, says new chairman Zia Yusuf.

Farage enlisted Yusuf to revamp the party following a troubled campaign marked by candidate scandals and policy doubts. Farage rejected a policy from former leader Richard Tice and hinted at further changes. The “contract,” mocked as “Liz Truss economics on steroids,” promised £140 billion in tax cuts and £156 billion in spending reductions, but was criticized by the Institute for Fiscal Studies as unrealistic.

Yusuf told The Independent that the contract should be seen as a guiding philosophy rather than a concrete policy plan. He acknowledged that the numbers didn’t add up for immediate implementation but emphasized they were never intended to be applied on day one. The policies were primarily aimed at appealing to disillusioned Tory voters.

Yusuf acknowledged that becoming the ruling party was never their immediate goal but stressed Reform UK's commitment to refining its policies to gain public trust. The party remains focused on reducing immigration and cutting taxes. Yusuf also highlighted plans to democratize the party by drafting a constitution that allows members to remove the leader if needed. Currently, as a limited company with Farage as the major shareholder, Reform UK is focused on long-term stability and growth.

Yusuf's goal is to boost Reform UK’s vote share to 9 million by 2029, during crucial English council and devolved elections. He acknowledged the need to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence, noting that limited ground campaigns were key to their recent successes. Yusuf has established 120 pilot constituency branches and aims to increase that number to 200 by the party’s next conference.

Despite challenges, Yusuf remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from far-right parties’ recent successes in Europe. He also revealed that disillusionment within the Conservative Party has led senior officials to approach Reform UK, saying, “A number of people from CCHQ, including senior figures, have reached out, saying that they’re thoroughly disillusioned with the Conservative Party.”