Overview
- Dr David Bull, who resigned as Reform UK chair in May for health reasons, told Channel 5 that Nigel Farage should "have a bit of a break" and stressed that "the party is way bigger than Nigel."
- The Commons sleaze watchdog has opened a formal investigation into Farage over reports he accepted a £5 million donation from donor Christopher Harborne that was not declared under Commons rules.
- Reform's recent loss in the Makerfield by-election to Labour’s Andy Burnham has exposed limits to the party’s electoral reach and increased pressure from rival right-wing groups such as Restore Britain.
- Bull said the job of building the party nearly made him physically unwell and pointed to organisational strains as Reform professionalised and grew its membership rapidly last year.
- The party now faces a test of its institutional strength as Farage has reduced public appearances, the probe continues, and rivals seek to capitalise on questions about governance and transparency.