With a shaky general election (aren’t they all?) looming, two (somewhat) new parties with familiar candidates seek to disrupt British Politics: Reform led by Nigel Farage and The Workers Party GB led by George Galloway
Farage- Polarizing Politics?
Nigel Farage is no stranger when it comes to politics or disruption, having stood for MP seven times yet failing to be elected each time. Farage was also a hardcore Brexiter during his time as leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and served as a member of the European Parliament (MEP) and is now the Leader of the Reform Party. Farage’s politics has always been synonymous with right-wing beliefs and focused on pushing anti-immigrant rhetoric. Yet he has done well to disassociate himself from far-right groups such as the British National Party (BNP) and English Defence League (Edl). More recently, members of Farage’s Entourage were found making racist comments including calling PM Rishi Sunak racial slurs.
The Reform Party (originally the Brexit Party) seems to be a watered-down version with a more strategic approach to policymaking than UKIP, whose sole political focus seemed to be anti-immigration. However, Reform is receiving unwanted attention about the integrity of some of their candidates who seem to have far-right roots. Despite all this, Reform’s popularity is still growing, and a recent YouGov opinion poll showed their share of the vote at 19% above the Conservatives by a percent.
Galloway- Sneaky opportunist?
On the other side of the political spectrum, George Galloway has been elected as MP seven times in five different constituencies, serving in the ranks of the Labour party, being founder of the “Respect” Party, and currently leader of the newly formed Workers Party GB.
Galloway poses as an anti-establishment, anti-colonialist politician yet still declared his support for Iraq during the invasion of Kuwait, his new party is supposedly meant to represent the working class and hopes to empower workers by giving them more security and “rights”, a substitute party for the “out of touch” Labour. Galloway has also been accused of attempting to steal the “Muslim vote” by making the topic of Gaza a focal point throughout his campaign.
Unlike Reform, the Workers Party is not gaining popularity and is likely to receive less than 5% of votes (according to polls).
Rise of the independents
The issue of Gaza has also brought about a rise in independent candidates standing for election, all of whom are supposedly a voice for the Palestinian cause, these opportunists seem to have no clear strategy regarding policy and seem to simply be taking advantage of voters in primarily Muslim constituencies.