Nigel Farage Gives Up Reform UK Ownership as Party Surges in Polls

London, UK – February 20, 2025 – In a major political shake-up, Nigel Farage has formally relinquished control of Reform UK, the right-wing party he founded and led, marking a strategic shift as the party positions itself as a major contender in Britain’s next general election.

The move, which sees Reform UK transition from being privately owned to a member-controlled organization, is expected to strengthen its democratic credibility amid rising public support. With recent polls placing Reform UK ahead of the ruling Labour Party, the party’s new structure could fuel its ambitions to disrupt the traditional two-party dominance in British politics.

Farage Hands Over Ownership to Party Members

Since its inception, Reform UK—previously known as the Brexit Party—has operated as a privately registered company, with Farage holding a controlling stake. However, as of Wednesday, Farage and Deputy Leader Richard Tice have surrendered their more than 90% shareholding in Reform UK Party Limited, according to official filings with Companies House.

The party will now be managed under a restructured entity, REFORM 2025 LTD, placing its control in the hands of over 200,000 members. Party Chairman Zia Yusuf confirmed the transition in a statement:

“As promised, Nigel Farage has handed over ownership of Reform UK to its members. Reform is now a non-profit organization, ensuring that the party is accountable to its grassroots supporters rather than a single leader.”

This restructuring aligns with Reform UK’s broader campaign to present itself as a true alternative to the political establishment, emphasizing member-driven decision-making.

Reform UK’s Meteoric Rise in Opinion Polls

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment in British politics. Earlier this month, Reform UK made headlines by overtaking the Labour Party in a major public opinion poll for the first time. This surge in popularity reflects a growing discontent with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership just seven months into his premiership.

The party’s rise has been fueled by its tough stance on immigration, opposition to Britain’s climate policies, and a low-tax, high-growth economic agenda—themes that have resonated with an electorate increasingly disillusioned with mainstream parties.

While Reform UK currently holds only five parliamentary seats out of 650, it finished second in nearly 100 constituencies in the last general election, showcasing its potential to disrupt the political status quo.

The Anti-Establishment Wave in Europe

Farage’s decision to democratize Reform UK mirrors broader political trends across Europe, where anti-establishment and right-wing populist movements are gaining momentum.

From the National Rally in France to the Alternative for Germany (AfD), nationalist parties have capitalized on public frustration over issues such as mass immigration, rising crime, and economic stagnation. Reform UK’s shift to a member-controlled model could position it to harness this wave of political transformation in Britain.

Political analyst James Rutter suggests this is a strategic move by Farage:

“This is not just about democratic optics—Farage is preparing for a real power grab. By handing control to the members, he’s unshackling the party from corporate ownership structures, making it more appealing to voters who are tired of political elitism.”

Reform UK’s Electoral Strategy and Growing Influence

With the next UK general election required by 2029, Reform UK is actively working to position itself as the main opposition to both Labour and the Conservatives. The party has already benefited from high-profile defections from the Conservative Party, a sign that discontent within Britain’s political right is mounting.

Farage has long been a master at reshaping British politics—from leading the UK out of the European Union with Brexit to challenging the Conservative Party’s grip on right-leaning voters. His latest move suggests he is laying the groundwork for an aggressive electoral push that could see Reform UK gain a significant parliamentary presence in the next election.

Political insiders believe that Reform UK is looking to capitalize on Starmer’s declining approval ratings and the Conservatives’ internal divisions to position itself as Britain’s only “real alternative.”

What’s Next for Reform UK?

While Farage remains the face of the movement, his relinquishing of formal control suggests that he may be gearing up for a leadership transition—or perhaps a return to the political frontline in another capacity.

The key challenges now for Reform UK will be:

Converting high poll numbers into actual parliamentary wins.
Building a sustainable grassroots movement.
Avoiding internal divisions within its rapidly growing membership.

With British politics entering a volatile phase, Reform UK is no longer just a fringe movement—it is now a serious political force, with a new structure that could make it even more formidable in the years ahead.

As Farage hands over ownership of Reform UK, the party’s transformation from a privately owned entity to a grassroots-driven movement could redefine Britain’s political landscape.

Whether this move solidifies its position as the third major party in British politics—or simply marks another populist wave that fades before the next election—will depend on its ability to maintain its current momentum.

With the next general election on the horizon, Reform UK’s challenge now is to convert public anger into electoral success—something Farage has mastered before.