Nigel Farage hands control of Reform UK to its members

In a significant restructuring of the political landscape in the United Kingdom, Nigel Farage has announced that he has ceded control of Reform UK, the right-wing populist party he founded, to its members. This shift occurred as part of a broader reform initiative aimed at professionalizing the party in preparation for upcoming local elections. Previously, Farage held the majority of shares in the party, illustrating significant personal control over its operations. However, a formal vote led to the decision to transfer ownership to the membership base, with the intention of creating a more democratic and participatory structure within the party. Now operating under a new constitution approved by the Electoral Commission, Reform UK has transitioned into a non-profit organization. This means it will no longer have shareholders or persons with significant control, resembling the governance model of some other political parties like Labour. The party will be guided by a newly established governing board, ensuring members play a crucial role in shaping the party's policies through advisory votes at annual conferences. The changes reflect a strategic move to align with evolving political norms and expectations among voters seeking accountability and engagement. The party, boasting over 211,000 members, indicates its ambition to rival larger political entities like Labour, which has approximately 309,000 members, and the Conservative Party. Farage's aim is to position Reform UK as a credible alternative in the political arena, particularly as dissatisfaction with traditional parties grows. The transition also allows for greater member involvement, including the ability to convene extraordinary general meetings and introduce no-confidence motions against party leadership, fostering a sense of empowerment within the ranks. As Reform UK prepares for future electoral contests, including local elections, the moves are seen as critical steps toward solidifying its position in British politics. This transformation aims not only to energize the party's base but also to enhance its appeal to potential new members and voters disillusioned with the current political dynamic. With recent polling suggesting Reform UK is perceived more favorably than Labour in areas such as trustworthiness and clarity of purpose, the party hopes these reforms will yield positive outcomes in the upcoming election cycle.