Nigel Farage Acknowledges Reform UK Not Yet Prepared for Power

Nigel Farage has publicly acknowledged that Reform UK is not yet prepared to assume power, stating that the party is only “halfway ready” to govern Britain. This admission came during an interview with Laura Kuenssberg for the BBC documentary titled Reform: Ready to Rule? Despite the party’s strong performance in polling and the recruitment of several former Conservative cabinet ministers, Farage emphasized that they still have work to do before they can effectively lead the country.

In recent polling conducted by Ipsos, only 25% of Britons believe that Reform UK is ready to form the next government, while 58% disagree. This represents a slight decline in confidence since September 2025, when 53% expressed doubts about the party’s readiness. Despite these concerns, Reform UK maintains an eight-point lead in overall polling, reflecting a complex landscape for the party as it prepares for the next general election.

Farage indicated that the party must begin preparations for government, particularly in light of the possibility that the next national election could occur as early as 2027, rather than 2029. He vowed to dedicate himself entirely to this effort, stating, “All I can do is promise that I will give this everything, I will give this absolutely everything that I’ve got. No one cares more about the state of this country than I do. I am determined to do something about it.”

The initiative to prepare for government was further emphasized by the establishment of a dedicated department within Reform UK, with Zia Yusuf appointed as head of policy. The party has also launched a website under the domain “preparingforgovernment,” which declares that Reform UK is “set to form the next government” and is actively seeking individuals to assist in these preparations.

During the interview, Kuenssberg raised concerns about recent defections from prominent Conservatives, including Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman. Farage conceded that these individuals had indeed “lost the argument in their own party,” suggesting that their migration to Reform UK indicates a unification of the centre-right political factions in Britain around the theme of reform.

In addition to these developments, Reform UK is competing to secure another parliamentary seat in the upcoming by-election for Gorton and Denton. The vacancy arises from the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne, and speculation is rife that Reform UK could potentially capture this seat, which Labour had previously retained with 51% of the vote in 2024.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the ability of Reform UK to solidify its position and convince voters of its readiness will be crucial in the months leading up to the next general election. The party’s focus on preparation and recruitment may prove pivotal as it seeks to transform its polling lead into tangible electoral success.