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Reform UK is on the rise. Leader Nigel Farage hopes the Trump playbook can propel him to power

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 8:53 GMT by Toronto Star
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Nigel Farage’s “Reform UK” Looks to Trump’s Playbook for a Populist Surge

In a high‑profile interview that ran on the front page of The Star, Nigel Farage – the former UKIP star who once spearheaded Britain’s campaign to leave the European Union – declared that his rebranded party, Reform UK, is poised to become the country’s next great political shockwave. Farage, who has been at the centre of Britain’s populist moment for more than two decades, said he hopes the “triumph of Donald Trump” offers a template for turning discontent into a winning electoral narrative.

From “Brexit Party” to “Reform UK”

The party that once called itself the Brexit Party was renamed Reform UK in 2023, a move designed to broaden its appeal beyond a single‑issue focus. The re‑branding came after a modest showing in the 2021 European Parliament elections – where the party captured roughly five percent of the vote – and the announcement that the European Union’s legal and political influence would now be the party’s new primary target.

Reform UK’s policy platform, as outlined on its own website, seeks a return to “UK sovereignty” by cutting the power of the EU and the “globalist” institutions that the party claims have eroded British autonomy. The platform also calls for stricter immigration controls, a reduction in public spending, and a “complete overhaul” of the welfare system – all of which align with the party’s populist branding.

In the interview, Farage noted that the party’s agenda was “not just about Brexit – it’s about the very soul of Britain.” He said the party would push for a “new Britain” that focuses on “the needs of the ordinary people, not the elite.” The party’s stance on immigration, for instance, echoes Trump’s pledge to “build a wall” and curtail illegal entry – a position that has earned both fervent support and sharp criticism.

Trump’s “Playbook” – Emotions, Messaging, and Media

Farage is not simply copying Trump’s policy positions; he’s also copying his messaging style. He has been an outspoken admirer of Trump’s “messaging strategy,” especially the focus on emotions rather than pure policy analysis. “People want a story,” Farage told The Star. “Trump showed us that if you tell a story that resonates, you can win.”

The “playbook” the former President used was heavily based on a combination of social media outreach, a direct “talk‑to‑the‑people” tone, and a willingness to reject mainstream media narratives. “Reform UK is going to do the same thing,” Farage said. “We’re going to take the narrative into the people’s hands, not the elite’s.” He added that the party will focus on “the issues that matter to the everyday voter: jobs, immigration, and the sense that we are being left behind by the elites.”

The link to Trump’s own website and policy blog, often cited by Farage, underscores the depth of the admiration. “It’s about taking back power,” Farage repeated. “We’re going to apply the same tactics here in Britain.”

Political Landscape – Opportunities and Obstacles

The UK’s general election, scheduled for 2024, is currently a two‑party contest between the Conservatives and Labour. Reform UK has been accused of draining votes from the Conservatives – the party it has historically opposed on Brexit – and of being a “spoiler” for the Conservatives’ anti‑immigration stance. However, Farage argues that Reform UK offers a “third path” that can break the status quo. He is aware that the party will face an uphill battle. “The party isn’t a large one,” he said, “but we’re here to give voters a real alternative.”

He also highlighted that “Reform UK” has been growing in public interest. A recent YouTube interview, linked in the article, showcased a surge in new supporters, especially in areas that feel “forgotten” by the mainstream parties. The party’s new leader, after Farage’s return from a brief hiatus, is a former parliamentary candidate with strong ties to the grassroots movement, which could help convert enthusiasm into votes.

Yet the party faces significant challenges. Critics argue that the party’s “trump‑ish” messaging risks being divisive and could alienate centrist voters. Others point out that the party’s platform may be too radical for the majority of voters who are satisfied with a more measured approach to Brexit. Additionally, the party’s relatively small membership and the lack of a strong national media presence may hinder its ability to compete with the more entrenched parties.

Looking Ahead – Reform UK’s Vision

In closing, Farage painted a picture of a Britain where power goes back to “the people.” He is calling on voters who feel “unrepresented” by the two dominant parties to rally behind Reform UK. The party’s own website – highlighted in the article’s links – promises an “unprecedented push” in the 2024 general election, including a campaign that will use “direct communication, community engagement, and a clear, resonant narrative.”

“Reform UK is not a party that will wait for the rest of the political system to change,” Farage told The Star. “We’re going to change the system ourselves.” Whether that ambition will translate into seats in the House of Commons remains to be seen, but the conversation it has sparked—about populist messaging, the limits of traditional party structures, and the role of the media—certainly signals that the political landscape in Britain may be on the brink of a new chapter.