Official announcements and records from the UK Parliament

Nigel Farage's Reform UK Secures First Seats in UK Parliament, Gains 65,000 Members

Jul 9, 2024, 01:21 PM

Nigel Farage's Reform UK has made significant strides in British politics, securing its first seats in the UK Parliament. The party, which garnered over four million votes in the recent election, has seen its membership swell to 65,000, with 25,000 new members joining since June 8. Reform UK's platform includes a strong stance on curbing immigration and reshaping the country's political landscape. Farage, along with his allies Lee Anderson, Richard Tice, Rupert Lowe, and James McMurdock, have been sworn in as MPs, marking their official entry into the House of Commons. Farage's maiden speech in Parliament emphasized their new presence, stating, 'We are the new kids on the block.' The party's arrival has prompted discussions with other political entities, including a meeting with the new North Antrim MP from the Northern Irish TUV party about potentially taking the Reform whip in Parliament. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has expressed concerns about the party's influence, and Farage criticized former Speaker John Bercow in his speech.