Nigel Farage’s Big Announcement: Why Reform UK Says Change Starts Now

What a summer it’s been for British politics. While some politicians might have spent their days soaking up sun, Nigel Farage and the Reform UK team rolled up their sleeves. In a live announcement from London, Farage, now joined by former Conservative MP Danny Kruger, unveiled major campaign updates, big party changes, and blunt answers to some of the toughest questions facing Britain.

Let’s break down the real story behind Reform UK’s recent moves, the defection of Danny Kruger, and why the party believes it can win over voters hungry for genuine change.

A Summer of Action: Reform UK’s Crime Crackdown and Policy Push

Reform UK didn't see the summer as downtime. Instead, they launched a six-week campaign focused on cracking down on crime and shaking up people’s perception of law and order.

Key highlights:

• Six-week crime campaign: Zero tolerance approach to offenses like shoplifting, with an emphasis on protecting high streets and local business owners.

• Stop and search: A call for more robust stop and search measures, which polls show are supported by voters across the political spectrum.

• Expert backing: The party brought in experienced figures from the police and prison services to draft ready-to-go legislation.

Nigel Farage’s own words capture the heart of their mission:

"Many in Westminster claim crime is falling, but that’s not how people feel. Our call for zero tolerance, especially on shoplifting, matches the nation’s mood."

Alongside the focus on crime, Reform UK flagged growing worries about free speech. Farage argued that recent laws have had chilling side effects, accidentally feeding a sense of “two-tier policing” – a Britain where people see different standards of justice depending on your views or who you are.

Examples from Farage’s experience:

• Online threats against him were not pursued by the police.

• At the same time, others faced harsh penalties for single social media offenses.

• Foreign nationals could face arrest at Heathrow for comments authorities object to.

People want one standard for everyone, say party leaders, and they want a clear plan to deliver it.

Reform UK’s Crime Policy Priorities:

• Zero-tolerance support for shopkeepers and business owners.

• Broader use of stop and search powers.

• Review and defense of free speech from overreaching laws.

Riding Electoral Momentum: By-Election Wins and a Birmingham Boost

Most political parties talk about growth. Reform UK claims to be living it. Throughout the summer, the team racked up weekly by-election wins, often in historic Labour strongholds, showing serious gains in places where change rarely happens.

Two weeks ago, the Reform UK conference in Birmingham buzzed with energy and optimism. The top messages coming out of the gathering:

• The Conservative government and economy are, in Farage’s view, “in much deeper trouble than most realize.”

• The next general election could arrive sooner than 2027 – possibly much sooner.

• Experience in government is a weak spot for Reform UK, but it’s one they intend to fix.

Farage announced the formation of a department preparing for government—a first for the party. The task? Assemble a “government-in-waiting” so that if Reform wins, they’re ready from day one.

Stepping into the job of department head: Danny Kruger, MP for East Wiltshire.

Farage put it like this:

"The responsible thing to do is to prepare for the possibility of governing. Radical change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary, or Britain will be sunk."

Conference Key Takeaways:

• Urgency about fixing Britain’s economy and government.

• Concrete steps for being ready to govern: not just campaign, but lead.

• Realistic about the challenges facing a new team but determined to build experience fast.

Danny Kruger: Why He Left the Tories for Reform UK

Danny Kruger isn’t new to conservative politics—he’s spent over 20 years in and around the Conservative Party, often inspired by big reforms or “the big society.” Yet as he told the crowd, “those moments were exceptions.”

According to Kruger, the rule during Conservative rule has been failure—government got bigger, taxes higher, society more divided. The party, he says, is “over” as an opposition or governing force.

Kruger’s diagnosis of today’s Britain:

• Profound crises in the economy, borders, streets, military, prospects for young people.

• The government is detached from ordinary people’s wants and needs.

• While many people want to live here, just as many young entrepreneurs and families want out.

But Kruger isn’t giving up on conservatism—only the current party tasked with delivering it.

In his own words:

"The flame is passing from one torch to another. The old torch, once so great, is guttering; the new torch is already alight and brighter."

Values Reform UK says it stands for:

• Respect for the law and traditions

• Personal liberty and national sovereignty

• Free markets, family, community, country

Kruger made clear that Reform UK wants radical change, but not “revolution.” The mission is to restore government: make it smaller, more accountable, and focused on delivering for citizens.

He invited experts and regular people alike:

"If you have expertise or ideas – that’s everyone – we want your help. If you’re in Whitehall, public sector, military, or you just care, get in touch."

Core Areas Reform UK Wants to Tackle:

• Strengthening law and community bonds

• Fixing the economy and public spending

• Building a government people can trust

Press Conference Highlights: Big Questions and Blunt Answers

Kruger’s Defection: Risk, Motivation, and Principles

Kruger faced pointed questions on whether his move was about survival or personal gain. He insisted it’s about principle and risk, not an “easy life,” noting:

• His constituency isn’t an easy win for Reform UK.

• He sees no meaningful difference in outcomes when governments change between major parties.

• The Conservative Party failed to respond after defeat by learning from mistakes.

Farage stressed that new Reform UK members have to align on substance—not just seek safe seats.

Electoral Strategies and Prospects

When asked about the fate of the Conservative Party, Kruger replied:

"I don't think the Conservative Party is dead, but it's over as the principal opposition."

Both Kruger and Farage suggested more MPs may defect to Reform UK, but only if they bring real value and shared policy goals.

Dealing with Controversies

Farage fielded queries about his partner’s house purchase in Clacton and stressed no rules were broken and that official checks found everything legal. He deflected rumors or claims of gifts or loans and warned against inaccurate speculation.

On free speech, Farage refused to get dragged into headlining squabbles with outspoken personalities, reaffirming focus on “building what we’re trying to build.”

Civil Service and Government Readiness

Kruger was open about the challenges ahead if Reform UK comes to power:

Anticipated barriers Reform UK will face:

• Opposition from entrenched interests in Whitehall

• Pushback from teaching unions and the House of Lords

• Inexperience among many new reformers

To counter this, the party is reaching out for confidential advice from both current and former civil servants and military officers—without asking them to break laws or confidentiality.

Kruger emphasized:

"We want to work with people inside the system who see it's broken and want to help fix it."

Foreign Policy and the UK’s Global Role

Kruger criticized how past UK governments have been “tied down by Foreign Office lawyers” and called for true sovereignty in foreign affairs. Both Kruger and Farage agreed Donald Trump’s statements on Russia reflect reality, but that peace in Ukraine requires change from Putin.

Foreign Policy Stance:

• UK needs more independence in diplomacy and defense

• Openness to peace efforts but realism about Russia

Voter Base and Inclusivity

Pressed about representing working-class voters and Britain’s diversity, Reform UK leaders stressed their broader message:

• No class, race, or social prejudice

• Focus on values: law, citizenship, taxes, shared commitment to Britain

Farage claimed the party's conference showed “a real cross-section of society,” trying to put past accusations of exclusion to rest.

Danny Kruger, despite his privileged background, highlighted years of charity work with ex-prisoners and disadvantaged families to show understanding of everyday challenges.

Assisted Suicide, the Marches, and Other Issues

When asked about assisted suicide, the answer was clear: it’ll be a free vote issue, not a party-imposed stance.

Farage expressed concern about public safety, rising online and real-world tensions, and distrust in how laws are enforced.

On organized marches and protests:

• Recognizes most demonstrators are peaceful

• Condemns violence and acknowledges fear among certain communities

Policy, Spending Plans, and the Road Ahead

Plans for future savings and welfare reform were promised for an upcoming press conference. Kruger affirmed a move toward fully costed, sensible policies—and less “spending like drunken sailors.”