Reform UK Rejects Boris Johnson Amid Criticism of Immigration Policies

Zia Yusuf, head of policy for Reform UK, has stated that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson will never be welcomed into the party, labeling him as “one of the worst prime ministers in British history.” Speaking on Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Yusuf criticized Johnson for his management of post-Brexit immigration policies, claiming he “betrayed” Brexit voters by allowing a significant influx of non-European Union migrants into the UK.

Yusuf emphasized, “We certainly would not welcome Boris Johnson – that’s never going to happen.” He referred to the term “Boris wave” to describe the surge in legal immigration that followed the new visa policies implemented under Johnson beginning in January 2021. He expressed strong disapproval of these changes, stating that they “betrayed every single person that voted Brexit.”

The criticism was echoed by Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, during an interview with the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg. When questioned about the possibility of Johnson joining the party, Farage remarked, “Oh I don’t think that would really work, somehow.” He acknowledged the impact of the “Boris wave,” noting that many of the migrants entering the UK do not contribute economically and pose a financial burden on the country.

Farage further elaborated on the challenges facing his party, admitting that their “biggest weakness is experience at government level.” He pointed to Nadine Dorries as a potential asset, stating, “Nadine brings us the one commodity we’re very short of and that’s experience at government level.” He acknowledged the need for seasoned officials, saying that his team lacks individuals who have previously held significant governmental positions.

In response to Farage’s comments, Anna Turley, chairwoman of the Labour Party, criticized his lack of a coherent plan for Britain. She stated, “Nigel Farage has no plan for Britain. Now he’s admitted he doesn’t have confidence that his team is capable of delivering a plan if he did have one.” Turley emphasized that vague answers will not address the pressing issues facing the country and described Farage’s candidacy as driven by ego rather than patriotism.

Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake dismissed the idea of an alliance between Reform UK and Johnson, stating, “That’s not going to happen.” He expressed his disagreement with Dorries’ views, highlighting the party’s focus on addressing the country’s financial challenges instead. Hollinrake underscored the importance of addressing the current £140 billion annual deficit, exacerbated by Labour’s past actions, and criticized Reform UK’s lack of concrete solutions to address these fiscal issues.

The ongoing debate surrounding Johnson’s legacy and immigration policies underscores the divisions within British politics as Reform UK seeks to establish its identity separate from the Conservative Party. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these discussions will likely resonate with voters navigating a complex post-Brexit environment.