Reform's here to stay, it's no flash in the pan
Daily Express|December 10, 2024
STORM Darragh battering Britain is perhaps the best background for a day with Nigel Farage, a man whose party has blown away support for both the Conservatives and Labour since the General Election five months ago.
Richard Ashmore
Reform's here to stay, it's no flash in the pan

Nigel's constituency of Clacton-onSea - where he won a huge 8,000 majority and 46% of the vote - also seems a fitting metaphor for the challenges facing the nation.

People and businesses in Essex's once glorious seaside destination are trying their best to make ends meet despite feeling neglected and ignored by the decision-makers in Westminster.

They aren't the only ones struggling after a doom-laden half year that has seen winter fuel payments axed, brutal tax hikes for businesses and farmers, and the constant blaming of 14 years of Tory rule for the "decline" of the country.

But even "two-tier Keir", as Farage dubbed him for controversial policing decisions, appears to recognise the momentum Reform UK has.

The Labour leader took the unusual step in Parliament last week of crossing the floor to speak to his fellow party leader for what was "a little chat about this and that", according to Farage.

"It was interesting, wasn't it [that he did that]," he added. "It was quite overtly friendly. He was very, very friendly."

We are hunkered down in a lovely local pub at the end of a tour of Nigel's constituency. As he puts it, "every pub is a Parliament", and people seem keen to be friendly to him in both places.

This story is from the December 10, 2024 edition of Daily Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 10, 2024 edition of Daily Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DAILY EXPRESSView All
All change at the back once again for Gunners
Daily Express

All change at the back once again for Gunners

BUT MIKEL SHRUGS OFF EXPANDING INJURY LIST

time-read
2 mins  |
December 11, 2024
Carse driving towards star role in England's Ashes plans
Daily Express

Carse driving towards star role in England's Ashes plans

SEAMER'S ON FAST TRACK

time-read
2 mins  |
December 11, 2024
STOP MOANING AND ENJOY LONG TRIPS
Daily Express

STOP MOANING AND ENJOY LONG TRIPS

Pollard gives positive spin

time-read
2 mins  |
December 11, 2024
I'm the victim, claims pub row boss
Daily Express

I'm the victim, claims pub row boss

A COUPLE accused of attacking the owners of an upmarket pub when they were refused drinks after hours have claimed they were acting in self-defence as the victims of a \"lynch mob\", a court heard.

time-read
1 min  |
December 11, 2024
'My secret for a long life? A glass of chardonnay a day!'
Daily Express

'My secret for a long life? A glass of chardonnay a day!'

D-Day nursing heroine Jean marks 103 with cake - and her tipple

time-read
1 min  |
December 11, 2024
Bake Off with a soap flavour
Daily Express

Bake Off with a soap flavour

A BATTLE of the soaps is being cooked up in the Bake Off tent this Christmas as the show returns for its yuletide special.

time-read
1 min  |
December 11, 2024
Homeless rises to ‘at least' 354k on a given day
Daily Express

Homeless rises to ‘at least' 354k on a given day

SOME 354,016 people were estimated to be homeless in England on a given night this year, research from Shelter claims.

time-read
1 min  |
December 11, 2024
Arrested after applying for 13 passports
Daily Express

Arrested after applying for 13 passports

A MIGRANT suspected of organised crime gang links has been arrested in a Home Office swoop after he applied for 13 passports for foreign children.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 11, 2024
Murder probe after attack on John, 82
Daily Express

Murder probe after attack on John, 82

A MURDER investigation has been launched after a \"world-renowned craftsman\" died after he was attacked in his home.

time-read
1 min  |
December 11, 2024
'Killed son dies in my mind each day'
Daily Express

'Killed son dies in my mind each day'

THE mum of a boy murdered in an unprovoked stabbing says she loses her son \"every single day\".

time-read
1 min  |
December 11, 2024