Richard Tice Says Reform UK Can Learn From Liberal Democrats’ Local Campaigns
According to Richard Tice, the party’s deputy leader, Reform UK plans to copy the Liberal Democrats’ approach of building local solid support by increasing the number of local councillors and activists. Tice made this statement before Reform UK’s annual conference, focusing on expanding its base and gaining more support nationwide.
Celebration and Challenges at the Conference
The mood will be festive at the Birmingham event, as Tice and Nigel Farage are among five Reform UK members elected as MPs on July 4th. However, some disagreements are expected, especially over a new party constitution. One senior member expressed concerns that the new rules could give Farage too much power, making him act like a “dictator.”
Key Speakers and Plans for Growth
The conference will start on Friday with speeches from all Reform UK MPs, including Zia Yusuf, a wealthy businessman and the new party chair, helping to professionalize the party. Tice said the main goal is to target the Conservative and Labour parties in local elections next May. He criticized both parties, saying the Conservatives would be disorganized and Labour would face backlash after a difficult winter.
Building Local Support
Saturday will be a big day for the 3,000 activists attending the conference, with sessions focused on setting up new branches and picking candidates for future elections. Tice emphasized the need to improve the party’s organization at the local level, learning from the Liberal Democrats, who are very skilled at local campaigning. “We must give credit where it’s due. The Lib Dems are the best at ground campaigning,” Tice said.
Controversy Over Party Structure
One of the more controversial topics at the conference will be the structure of Reform UK. The party is registered as a limited company, with Farage owning most shares. This gives him much control, as shown when Ben Habib, the previous deputy leader, was removed to make way for Tice after the election. Tice, who led the party for three years, had stepped down for Farage before the election.
Tice said the party’s new rules would be revealed at the conference and promised to make it more democratic. However, Habib disagreed, saying the new structure still gives the leader too much control. He mentioned that the leader would select some key directors, and the leader could make essential decisions between meetings, giving them too much power.
Farage’s Controversies
The party also faces challenges related to Farage’s leadership. He has been criticized, including by senior Conservatives, for spreading far-right conspiracy theories, such as suggesting the police are hiding information about the killings of three children in Southport in July.
Farage has also faced questions about his dedication as the MP for Clacton-on-Sea. Since being elected, he has only voted in the House of Commons three times, but he has visited the US just as often and spoken five times in parliament.
Defending Farage’s Work Ethic
Tice defended Farage’s actions, pointing out that he has close ties to Donald Trump, even though Trump is unpopular in the UK. Tice said, “I rarely get asked about Trump by people. Nigel’s opinions are well-known. I’ve never met Trump, but I think the world was much safer when he was president.”
Regarding Farage’s performance as an MP, Tice mentioned the outdated parliamentary procedures, which sometimes prevent MPs from speaking. He added that Farage is a very busy person who works non-stop and doesn’t take vacations.
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