Nigel Farage's hardline stance on immigration has taken centre stage in the build-up to the crucial Makerfield by-election. In a scathing essay published on his Substack account, the Reform UK leader vowed to ban foreign nationals from accessing social housing unless they can secure private rented accommodation within three months, sparking widespread debate about the party's approach to migration.
According to Mr Farage, "anti-whiteness is institutionalised into every aspect of public life" and that mass migration policies will soon render white Brits a minority in this country. In response, he pledged to preference veterans and long-term local residents for social housing, while also outlining plans to abolish the Equality Act and reintroduce meritocracy.
The proposed changes extend beyond housing, with Mr Farage suggesting capping foreign doctor recruitment to ensure British patients are not put at risk and advocating for purely meritocratic university admissions. This rhetoric has been seen as a direct appeal to voters ahead of the Makerfield by-election, where Reform UK is vying against Restore Britain, a newly formed party.
New polling data suggests that despite Mr Farage's efforts, Labour's Andy Burnham remains in pole position with 45% support, followed closely by Reform UK on 40%. A split right-wing vote, largely attributed to the emergence of Restore Britain and its even more hardline stance on immigration, appears to be a significant concern for Reform UK.
The party faces further criticism following revelations that some Restore Britain supporters attended a neo-Nazi summit in Portugal. Leader Rupert Lowe has dismissed these allegations as "bullshit," but the controversy has put pressure on Reform UK's leadership and highlighted the increasingly polarised nature of the by-election campaign.