Reform UK faced significant backlash since its rebranding in 2021 and surge in popularity. Critics from across the political spectrum, including Labour leaders, anti-extremism groups, and media outlets, accuse the party of promoting far-right ideologies, racist policies, and attracting controversial figures. The party has also been criticized for embracing anti-abortion stances and attracting hardliners on social issues. Labour leaders like Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have labeled it a "threat" to livelihoods, urging unity against it at their 2025 conference. While the party positions itself as a populist alternative to the Conservative and Labour establishments, emphasizing immigration control and anti-net-zero stances, detractors argue it fosters division, spreads misinformation, and lacks credible governance. These criticisms have intensified amid its electoral gains, with polls showing mixed public views but strong opposition from progressive and centrist groups.

A central criticism is that Reform UK's immigration proposals are discriminatory and racially motivated. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has labeled the party's plan to abolish indefinite leave to remain as "racist" and "immoral," arguing it unfairly targets legal migrants who have lived and worked in the UK for years, potentially leading to mass deportations. The policy, which could affect tens of thousands, requires migrants to prove integration through National Insurance payments and voluntary work, with critics like the TUC and Hope Not Hate warning it revokes rights from those contributing to society and risks backlash from voters who value diverse communities. A TUC/Hope Not Hate poll found most Britons reject revoking migrant rights, viewing Reform's stance as extreme.

Anti-extremism group Hope Not Hate has called the party far-right for its anti-immigration focus, claiming it echoes replacement theory tropes by portraying migrants as threats to British culture and safety. On X, users accused Reform of supporting Israel's actions in Gaza and ignoring genocide claims, further fueling racism allegations. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized Reform's "plastic patriotism," linking it to divisive rhetoric on foreign conflicts.

Reform UK is frequently branded as far-right by outlets like Byline Times and the International Socialism Journal (ISJ), which argue it rejects core liberal democratic principles, such as human rights protections, and attracts voters with culturally conservative, anti-immigration views. Hope Not Hate highlights its record vote share for a far-right party in the 2024 election (14.3%) and points to candidates praising extremists or pushing conspiracies. For instance, candidates have shared content claiming migrants have "low IQ" or aim to "supplant" the native population, echoing far-right narratives.

On X, analyses of accounts like @NicholasLissack describe Reform supporters as spreading disinformation, including great replacement theory, government censorship conspiracies, and anti-migrant stereotypes (e.g., migrants "snatching and eating swans").

Critics note hypocrisy: the party decries censorship while calling for bans on events like Glastonbury over pro-Palestine activism. ISJ warns of Reform's ties to figures like Tommy Robinson, with some leaders seeing his supporters as potential activists. Candidate Controversies and Vetting FailuresReform has been plagued by scandals involving candidates' offensive comments, leading to suspensions and dropouts. Despite Farage's claims of improved vetting, Hope Not Hate exposed candidates posting hate, far-right conspiracies, and praising extremists ahead of local elections.

Reform's opposition to net-zero targets, described as "net stupid" by Richard Tice, is criticized for ignoring climate urgency and favoring fossil fuels like shale gas. YouGov data shows voters prioritize cultural conservatism over economic right-wing policies, but critics like ISJ argue its anti-worker stances—voting against the Employment Rights Bill (banning zero-hours contracts, improving sick pay)—harm the working class.

Attorney General Richard Hermer has warned that Reform's populist threats undermine the rule of law, endangering working-class communities. Social policies, like anti-abortion leanings and banning "transgender ideology" in schools, attract hardliners but alienate moderates.

Electoral Performance

• 2019 European Elections: 29 seats (as Brexit Party).
• 2019 General Election: 0 seats, 2% vote share.
• 2024 General Election: 5 seats (Clacton, Boston and Skegness, Ashfield, Great Yarmouth, South Basildon and East Thurrock), 14.3% vote (over 4 million votes).
• 2025 Local Elections: Won 677 seats, control of 10 councils and 2 mayoralties (Greater Lincolnshire, Hull and East Yorkshire); projected 30% national vote share.

Other Gains: 1 seat in Scottish Parliament (via defection of Graham Simpson in August 2025), 1 in Senedd (Laura Anne Jones defection in July 2025), 1 in London Assembly (2024), and 1 Police and Crime Commissioner (Rupert Matthews defection in August 2025).

As of September 2025, Reform UK had 5 MPs, controls 12 local councils, and has seen defections from Conservatives (e.g., Tory MP Danny Kruger in September 2025) and even Labour's first defector. Reform UK claimed membership surpassing the Conservatives since December 2024 and is polling strongly, with surveys showing it at 27–34% nationally—leading Labour (21%) and Conservatives (15–18%). A YouGov MRP poll projected Reform winning 373 seats if an election were held now, potentially forming a majority government.

The party campaigned in by-elections (e.g., Caerphilly) and pushing petitions like "Let The People Vote." However, it faces scrutiny over governance in controlled councils, with reports of operational failures and transparency issues, as well as internal complaints about autocratic leadership. A September 2025 poll shows Britons split on preferring Reform over Labour for the next election, with Reform leading on immigration but no party dominating on economy or cost of living.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), and Nigel Farage, leader of the UK's Reform UK party, have had a fluctuating relationship marked by initial mutual admiration, political alignment on issues like free speech and immigration, and eventual public fallout. Their interactions largely play out on X, in media interviews, and through reported meetings. Musk has expressed interest in UK politics, particularly right-wing populism, while Farage has navigated Musk's influence cautiously, praising him as a "hero" but resisting pressure to shift further right. By mid-2025, Musk has largely turned against Farage, labeling him "weak" and endorsing rival figures and parties like Tommy Robinson and Advance UK to challenge Reform UK.

Musk no longer supports Farage or Reform UK, instead endorsing Advance UK and figures like Tommy Robinson for more aggressive stances on immigration and cultural issues. Farage has maintained distance, refusing Musk's potential funding and emphasizing independence, which some view as strategic amid Reform's polling leads. This dynamic reflects broader tensions in UK right-wing politics, with Musk using his platform to amplify or criticize figures amid rising populism.