Nigel Farage is standing. Are the Tories in deep trouble? | The Story

Nigel Farage has promised to lead a “political revolt” as he announced his return to frontline politics as the new leader of Reform UK - and as a candidate in the Essex seat of Clacton. The Conservatives are already well behind in the polls - so with the general election now just four weeks away, could this mean disaster for the Tories?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/...
The other candidates announced as standing in Clacton so far are:
Giles Watling, Conservative Party.
Jovan Owusu-Nepaul, Labour Party.
Matthew Bensilum, Liberal Democrats.
Natasha Osben, Green Party.
A full list will be published after nominations close on Friday.
Guest: Harry Yorke, Deputy Political Editor, The Sunday Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Clips: BBC Radio 4 Today, Sky News, The Telegraph, Reform UK.
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[@janpetersen7440]

The most grotesque thing is that I don't think even Sunak and the Tory party know why they are so unpopular.

[@marvinc9994]

It's the 'Westminster Bubble' effect. And I bet you anything you like that almost ALL MPs despise their _constituents_ far more than they do their political opponents. Westminster is far more like an exclusive golf club than a Forum of Democracy.

[@DavidUKesb]

It doesn't matter what the Tories put in their fantasy manifesto. No one believes their lies any longer.

[@tonyb9735]

And yet, rather oddly, they continue to choose to believe Farage's lies.

[@Clare0116]

Agreed, they didn't keep any of their previous promises!

[@DrawnInk1]

Reform will pass 20%

[@Steven-vo4ee]

Possible, also possible that even with 20% they’ll struggle to gain a single MP.

[@1984Scholsey]

They are on 18% already according to snap yougov poll that finally asks those who don't vote.

[@djunior874]

​@@Steven-vo4eewhich is insane

[@bearsagainstevil]

@@Steven-vo4ee but if they come second in enough places they could replace the torys by the next election , thats what the torys were scared would happen with UKIP

[@tonyb9735]

If it destroys the Tory vote, I'm all for it. Reform will never be electable in this country. All they will achieve is splitting the right-wing vote, which is perfect.

[@martinobrien7110]

The Tory Party . Lying doesn't matter .

[@tonyb9735]

Let's not pretend for a moment that Farage is any different.

[@happydace6991]

@@tonyb9735 of course we won't pretend . He is different .

[@almor2445]

Reform will increase vote share

[@gadgetgus]

COM'ON UK 🇬🇧 Let's Reform 🍻 Bring it on! 💪🏼

[@Steven-vo4ee]

No thanks

[@matthewframpton8737]

No, thank you. They're just the Tories without the posh accents.

[@davidgunter2355]

No way. Russia bots support the Reform party.

[@first--class]

😂 made me smile listening to him describing his day off on a monday ! can you imagine how many people hate that he gets a day off on a monday 😂 i'd be happy to have a monday off , i bet its quite peaceful ❤

[@GKupdate14]

Nigel is back and the most happening person in this Era. Farage is simply awesome. He is an intellectual not a daft leader

[@Steven-vo4ee]

Got to be satire

[@rayburns5287]

He's a traitor!

[@Mrcheekymonkeyisback]

@@rayburns5287 wrong tories are traitors. labour are traitors. lib dems, traitors, greens, traitors.

[@dodgynumber7533]

Queen Elizabeth once said “ You have to be seen to be believed “ Well…..so does Nigel!!! We need to see him campaigning - as nobody else can campaign. NIGEL IS ONE IN A MILLION!! If he cannot change this ‘quagmire-of-a governmental-mess’ we’re in…nobody can!! I am really going to enjoy the next 5 years!!!

[@dodgynumber7533]

Tories in trouble??…..the Tories are completely finished! I have voted Conservative all my life…..BUT NEVER EVER AGAIN. I am voting for Nigel Farage and THE REFORM PARTY

[@Steven-vo4ee]

Unless you’re registered to vote in Clacton you cannot vote for Farage.

[@matthewframpton8737]

It's a free democracy mate - you can vote however you like. But Reform offers literally nothing different from the Tories. Socially conservative, Neoliberal economics - if you've felt beaten down for the last 15 years - you're EXACTLY the sort of person Reform will hijack to elbow into mainstream politics and then stamp down on. I just pity you for being taken in by the Con.

[@gadgetgus]

Hey buddy 👊🏼 I hear that. A few years ago, Labour was in the same boat, and many declared them 'finished'. However, they are still here, as will probably the Conservatives be in another 5+ years. Two great survivors, but all things come to an end. So, if Reform can really gain traction and become mainstream, then the others shall be side-lined. ATB Gus 👍🏼 🍻

[@lorrainemoynehan6791]

do you live in Clacton?

[@happydace6991]

Short answer : well spotted and yes .

[@SW-tw8rf]

Blackpool north.

[@JohnShaw-zm2pc]

Both parties are in trouble. Farage is a good salesman. Both parties need to pull the policies apart . Financially, they would fall apart. He would not get investment from other countries. He wants to privatise the NHS through the back door. He wants to shrink the state. Which is osteratey.

[@GrahamJones-co9yp]

Nigel Farage is referred to as “Farage”. Starmer is referred to as Sir Kier Starmer! Any reason for that , or is it just Anti Farage nonsense?

[@Zaxon-Anglo]

Repay the favour Mr Conservative. Your time and other people’s money are being, wasted.

[@lorrainelane6583]

if you think it's bad now ...wait till labour gets the power 😮

[@annehayton7962]

VOTE REFORM TH ONLY PARTY WHO IS GONNA GIVE BRITAIN BAC TO TH BRITISH PPL WERE IT BELONGS 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@paulmint1775]

That jacket is out of Donalds Closet....🤣

[@zingo2664]

Yaaaaawwwnnnnn zzzzzzz ( i have fallen asleep ) so what.

[@mateusz.w.nawrocki]

Sunak Sunak Suuun!

[@markpallister9882]

AVOID STARMERGEDDON at ALL COSTS......Labour would RUIN the UK

[@Clare0116]

They did last time and stole all our gold reserves!

[@ImtiredofUok]

I don't know about the Tories but I can't stand that lying Farage

[@accountnamewithheld]

And you think the Tories aren't liars?

[@diverguy3556]

He got hit by a milkshake in Newcastle a few years ago, got lots of publicity out of that when it happened. Happened again what a strange coincidence.

[@TheChessTheoretician]

What are you suggesting? The woman who did it is a corbyn supporter...

[@ivanconnolly7332]

False flag shake?.

[@bearsagainstevil]

looking at the far left celebrating, its what they do . And quite nasty when we know acid attacks happen in the UK now , I think you should be jailed for it not just fined

[@first--class]

more like whis

[@stewartbunting3568]

He's a crowd pleasing man, VOTE REFORM UK.

[@lorrainemoynehan6791]

wouldn't you rather have a serious politician? Haven't we have enough of 'personalities'?

[@davidstrachan8530]

You're right a turd always floats to the surface.

[@TooDarnSoulful]

As do the 5 year old name callers !

[@ivanconnolly7332]

Jonathan Swift noticed in the early 18th century that only poor peoples poo's floated , rich diet makes poo's plummet.

[@GeoffV-k1h]

Truss was beaten by a lettuce. Kermit bested by a milkshake...?

[@first--class]

don't be so insulting "kim kardashian"😂 ❤

[@BenjL]

Reform won't get a single seat.

[@TooDarnSoulful]

lol you are proud of the 1st past the post system them ?

[@TheChessTheoretician]

Up to 17 percent in the polls...you seem pretty sure lol

[@royjacobs1204]

This will not age well.

[@gadgetgus]

That's what they said about UKIP... However, eventually, they came through 😉 COM'ON UK 🇬🇧 Let's Reform! 🍻

[@edwardmal1802]

ill bet you £100 they will

[@davidstrachan8530]

There is one place in the country where I would vote Tory which I've never done iny entire life and that of course is Clacton on sea.

[@xavierhucklenbruch1798]

I hate Farage

[@TooDarnSoulful]

Yep the left are the politics of hate, thank you for reminding us !

[@daydays12]

you are not alone!

[@thomasace2547]

Why?

[@Steven-vo4ee]

@@thomasace2547He’s a grifting demagogue

[@lewisdirienzo201]

CRY HARDER 🤣🤣🤣

[@timsimmons5953]

Call farage and the mob for what they are NF.

[@thenewcamelot8873]

Rip Tories and Labour, British lion awakes to defend our borders

[@Steven-vo4ee]

Their solans are practically identical

[@MrMarktheblue]

Reform is NOT the National front. The want to be tough on immigration and only allow refugees not economic migrants. Ultimately maintain British culture and avoid an Islamic state. That is not racist!

[@DavidUKesb]

Nigel is odds on favourite to win Clacton with the bookies offering 8/13

[@davidgunter2355]

Not favourite though, Nigel Farage is a three legged horse.

[@bearsagainstevil]

He would make parliament more interesting

[@davidgunter2355]

@@bearsagainstevil so would four clowns in a clown car.

[@bearsagainstevil]

@@davidgunter2355 they are already there two of them leading parties

[@Steven-vo4ee]

@@bearsagainstevil Politics shouldn't be entertaining.

[@castropianoforte]

Yes, this net zero nonsense will finish off the UK.

[@Steven-vo4ee]

Not dealing with anthropogenic climate change will finish off human civilisation

[@matthewframpton8737]

The ENTIRE global economy is moving towards green futures. Be it 2030 or 2060. It's happening. The UK has the industry and institutions to get in ahead of the curve and be a key player in pioneering these technologies to launch it into the next industrial revolution and re-invigorate our economy. We could lead the way and make Billions. But apparently it's "Woke" so i guess we're stuck paying a 300% mark up on Diesel whilst BP makes 600billion in profits ..

[@Shutityou]

@@Steven-vo4eebut the uk cannot change that.

[@involuntarilychad4048]

​@@matthewframpton8737 Sounds lovely, but we all know it'll end up being nothing more revolutionary than a wave of taxes and nothing more. Always the way with the British political establishment.

[@1984Scholsey]

Here's the thing and this is a serious question to all at Times radio is democracy really working when a large % are not represented ?

[@stan_austin]

I’m an ex Tory voter who’s been a member of Reform for 18 months. Delighted Farage is back, the Tories need to suffer! Total betrayal of what the British people voted for. I reckon Reform will overtake the Tories in the polling within the next fortnight. There’s little between the Tories and Labour these days…. Both high tax, big state, high immigration socialist parties. Will never believe a word they say again without a total clear out.

[@johnbrereton5229]

Thankyou for an interesting and informative conversation on Farage, Reform and the incoming GE. Its a shame that the comment section couldn't offer anything other than childish insults in response.

[@davidbarrass5210]

I think even the labour party could potentially lose votes to reform, especialy throughout yorkshire and the north east. Traditional mining, power generating and steel areas that have seen decline of industries through green policies and also a large influx of immigrants.

[@bearsagainstevil]

sadly cant vote for reform but would have if they had a candidate in my town, if Clacton was closer I would volunteer for him the country need him in parliament . UKIP came second to the Tory's in lots of places and if reform do well they could replace the Torys as the party of the right in the next election after this one . nobody I know like either Labour or the conservatives, they vote for them but they don't actually like them. The torys betrayed their voters on immigration, they are just like labour we need real change

[@gadgetgus]

⚠️ Reform has been formed to raise a robust conversation on key UK issues, as well as to answer a general shift in UK politics. ✅️ Economy ✅️ Immigration ✅️ NHS & Social care ✅️ Policing ✅️ Education ✅️ Energy ✅️ Defence ✅️ Housing ✅️ Transport ✅️ Farming & Fisheries Etc, etc... To appeal to that sweet spot between the right, centre right, and perhaps even bring a few from the centre left on board... 🇬🇧

[@lorrainemoynehan6791]

but what are their policies?

[@MrMarktheblue]

Note sure net zero should be totally dismissed but I will vote Reform

[@thomasace2547]

My votes with Farage

[@Steven-vo4ee]

Are you registered to vote in Clacton?

[@thomasace2547]

@@Steven-vo4ee 4th July, registered National of the U.K., will be down at my local town hall Conservatives are not Conservative Labour are mentally insane on policy U.K. needs Reform

[@Steven-vo4ee]

@@thomasace2547 Again, are you registered to vote in Clacton?

[@SW-tw8rf]

Reform voters need to vote reform in the election and see what happens. I am in an area where reform may be second or they may even win.

[@Steven-vo4ee]

@@SW-tw8rf What area is that?

[@duanebartholomew5782]

I will vote reform

[@bekelegessesse2601]

I am absolutely disgusted by the promotion of nation killers.

[@TheApollotd]

Answer: yes.

[@richardcameron3762]

Farage. The Neil Kinnock of the right.

[@Steven-vo4ee]

Reform is the Momentum of the right

[@mattwright2964]

Sick to the back teeth of hearing about Farage. It's a media-circus- lowest-common-denominator type of politics. He's a communicator/attention seeker but so was Boris but he couldn't deliver. Please can we move on from this drivel.

[@royjacobs1204]

Show me on the doll were the Nigel hurt you

[@mattwright2964]

​@@royjacobs1204 I think you mean 'where', did you pay attention at school or wasn't that part of 'British values'.

[@pauloliver7853]

@@mattwright2964 You forgot to put a question mark at the end.

[@royjacobs1204]

@@mattwright2964 cutting satire, how on earth can I possibly recover? The squiggly thing is a question mark, in case you've never seen one.

[@rayburns5287]

EEAW like we're interested!!

[@rorogexceluk9530]

Frarage will get. Nowhere