Nigel Farage has launched Reform UK’s local election campaign with a rallying cry to “make Britain great again,” echoing the famous slogan of former US president Donald Trump. Speaking at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena, Mr Farage vowed to cut taxes, slash public sector spending, and introduce a British equivalent of “Doge,” a cost-cutting government efficiency programme inspired by Elon Musk.
Reform UK’s vision for Britain
Mr Farage declared that his party is “on the side of the worker” and called for radical cuts in public spending, claiming the administrative state has “grown out of all proportion.” He proposed that no one earning under £20,000 a year should pay income tax and pledged to incentivise those on benefits to return to work.
His deputy, Richard Tice, reinforced this message, rallying the audience with: “Do you want to make Britain great again?” – a clear nod to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Some Reform UK supporters were even spotted wearing caps with the phrase as they entered the venue.
The British ‘doge’ and Tax cuts
Mr Farage outlined plans to establish a UK equivalent of the American “Doge” (Department of Government Efficiency), an initiative led by Musk aimed at cutting bureaucratic waste. He called for “pretty big cuts” in government spending to fund tax reductions, stating:
“Frankly folks, what we need in this country to pay for the cuts that people deserve and need, we need a British form of Doge, as Elon Musk has got in America.”
Reform UK’s plans also include scrapping changes to the non-dom tax regime, which Mr Farage blamed for pushing high-net-worth individuals, such as Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, to leave the UK.
“We cannot help those on lower incomes if we get rid of those that pay the most tax because they leave and go to Monaco, Dubai, America, or wherever else it is,” Mr Farage argued.
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Arron banks stands as mayoral candidate
The event also saw the announcement that businessman and long-time Farage ally Arron Banks will stand as Reform UK’s candidate in the West of England mayoral election. Mr Banks, a key figure in the Brexit campaign and former Ukip donor, urged voters to “Vote Banksy for Bristol.”
Reform UK claimed the Birmingham event was “the biggest-ever launch rally in modern British political history,” with 10,000 tickets reportedly sold. The event featured elaborate stage props, including mock posters of Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson as clowns, and a satirical betting shop called “Labourbrokes.”
NHS funding and Labour’s criticism
Labour has strongly criticised Mr Farage’s stance on NHS funding, launching a series of attack ads highlighting his past comments in favour of an insurance-based healthcare system. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Farage denied wanting to introduce charges for GP visits but said the UK should “re-examine” how the NHS is funded.
With local elections and a key by-election in Runcorn and Helsby approaching, Reform UK’s populist messaging is clearly aimed at voters disillusioned with the mainstream parties. Whether it will translate into electoral success remains to be seen.
