Membership of Reform UK has overtaken that of the Conservative Party, with Nigel Farage hailing the milestone as proof that his party is now the "real opposition."
A live counter on Reform UK’s website displayed the party's membership surpassing 131,680 — the figure reported by the Conservatives during their leadership contest earlier this year — by midday on Boxing Day.
Farage described the achievement as a "historic moment," writing on X:
"The youngest political party in British politics has just overtaken the oldest political party in the world. Reform UK are now the real opposition."
He also shared a celebratory video from a Boxing Day hunt, holding up his phone and declaring:
"We've done it. We are through. How about that — the official opposition."
This milestone caps a successful year for Reform UK, which gained five parliamentary seats in the July general election, including Farage’s victory in Clacton. The party also secured second place in 98 constituencies, significantly splitting the Conservative vote.
Party chairman declares a new era
Zia Yusuf, Chairman of Reform UK, described the surge in membership as a watershed moment:
"Today, history has been made. The centuries-long dominance of the Tories on the centre-right of British politics has been broken. Nigel Farage will be the next Prime Minister and will restore Britain to greatness."
The Conservative Party reported 131,680 eligible voting members during their November leadership election, the lowest on record and a steep decline from the approximately 172,000 members recorded in 2022.
Opposition and membership comparisons
While Reform UK celebrates its growth, Labour remains the UK’s largest political party, boasting 366,604 members as of March. The Liberal Democrats have around 90,000 members.
A Conservative spokesperson criticized Reform UK, claiming the party’s rise has indirectly enabled Labour’s policies, such as cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners and undermining family farming:
"A vote for Reform this May is a vote for a Labour council. Only the Conservatives can prevent this."
A new structure for Reform UK
Unlike other political parties, Reform UK was initially established as a limited company. In September, Farage announced plans to transition its ownership structure to a company limited by guarantee, making the party member-owned.
“I no longer need to control this party,” he said. “It’s the members of Reform who will own it.”
Challenges ahead
Despite the membership boom, questions remain about whether Reform UK can translate its digital momentum into grassroots campaigning. Luke Tryl, director of the More in Common think tank, noted: "Parties are notoriously opaque about membership metrics. The challenge for Reform will be whether this membership converts into campaigners — those who deliver leaflets, knock on doors, and canvass."
While the future of Reform UK’s on-the-ground impact remains uncertain, its rapid growth signals a shifting dynamic in British politics. Whether this momentum translates into long-term success will be a question for the coming elections. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.