Reform UK to Allow Members to Remove Farage as Leader in New Constitution

Reform UK, the political party led by Nigel Farage, is undergoing significant changes as it prepares for a more democratic future. The party's chairman, Zia Yusuf, has confirmed that a formal constitution is being developed, which will grant members the power to remove the party leader if they so choose.

Currently, Reform UK operates as a company registered with Companies House since 2018, with Nigel Farage holding 53% of shares and his deputy, Richard Tice, owning 33%. This structure is set to change as the party aims to professionalize and democratize its operations.

Zia Yusuf, who assumed the role of chairman in July 2024, emphasized the importance of this transition:

"We, of course, understand that members need to be given a democratic set of rights in our constitution... That constitution is an incredibly important document. We are chartering a course to be a party of government in 2029."

The decision to create a formal constitution comes as Reform UK seeks to establish itself as a "serious force" in British politics. This move is particularly significant given the party's history and its ambitious goals for the future.

Reform UK, originally founded as the Brexit Party in November 2018, has evolved significantly since its inception. The party changed its name to Reform UK in January 2021 and has since advocated for low-tax, low-regulation policies. It has also taken strong stances on issues such as COVID-19 lockdowns, immigration controls, and the UK's net-zero carbon emissions target.

While the party currently has no elected MPs in the UK Parliament, it has set its sights on becoming a party of government by 2029. To achieve this goal, Reform UK is focusing on modernizing its approach and converting public support into electoral success.

The move towards democratization has been welcomed by many, including Ben Habib, a former co-deputy leader of Reform UK. He expressed concerns about the future of the party and emphasized the importance of proper democratic structures:

"I fear for the future of Reform UK, if it isn't properly democratised. You can't stand for a democratic entity, that is the United Kingdom, [and] celebrate and champion that democracy, if the party through which you wish to do it isn't itself democratic."

Despite these changes, Nigel Farage remains a popular figure within the party. A YouGov poll conducted in June 2024 found that 94% of Reform supporters held a favorable view of Farage. However, his broader public perception is more divided, with a survey earlier in August 2024 showing 25% of the public viewing him favorably and 67% unfavorably.

As Reform UK continues its transformation, it faces the challenge of balancing its ambitious goals with the need for democratic accountability. The party's journey from a pressure group to a potential governing force will be closely watched in the coming years, as it seeks to make a lasting impact on British politics.