Conversely today, Nigel Farage has adopted a more Stalinesque approach entirely. In the 1930s, the Communist dictator, Joseph Stalin famously executed many of his key Generals leaving his forces drastically weakened in the face of the coming onslaught a few years later.
Similarly, today, Nigel Farage has summarily disposed of two of his most effective leaders – Deputy Leaders, Ben Habib and Dr David Bull. The effect has similarly weakened Reform UK.
The announcement made this morning, at first caused bewilderment amongst Reform’s followers. The millions who had voted for Reform only last week were stunned, their emotions rapidly turning to anger. Only a few hours later, many were commenting angrily with social media posts regretting their support for Reform whilst others were speaking of cancelling their membership.
Ben Habib’s post on Twitter/X described the situation as follows:
I have just been informed by Nigel Farage that Richard Tice is taking over as deputy leader of the party. Consequently I no longer hold that position.
I am considering my position more generally in light of this change.
I have long held concerns about the control of the party and the decision making processes.
I will reflect on all of this.
The key for me is that Reform UK stays true to the promises made to the British people. The movement we have created does not belong to us, it belongs to the people. We are obliged and indebted to the British people.
Whilst there may well be a case for one of Reform’s sitting MPs to become deputy, in order that they can deputise for Farage in the chamber should the need arise, it seems utterly extraordinary that Habib and Bull should have simply been so unceremoniously cast aside.
Whilst Nigel Farage has been enjoying the last few years developing his media career, Ben Habib has tirelessly campaigned for Reform UK, and spent countless hours being interviewed by the media. In the process he earned the respect of so many who gave their support to Reform at the General Election. Many voted for Reform because of Habib and Bull, despite Nigel’s belated return.
During the election campaign and just after, Farage pledged to democratise the party, a plea to many who felt discomfort at it being a limited company with Farage as the major shareholder – effectively an electable dictatorship.
Those concerns today came home to roost. In dictatorial fashion, Farage removed his loyal generals without a second thought.
Whilst, due to the structure of Reform, he is entirely within his rights to do so, he has illustrated how completely unacceptable it would be for Reform to continue as it is.
First. He must apologise to the members, and to Bull and Habib, on bended knee if necessary – their return to the fold and to prominence is sorely needed.
Then, he must give up control of the party. Because as Ben Habib rightly says, ‘it belongs to the people.’ It is our votes that have sent it to Parliament with a far greater influence than the numbers of seats that it occupies. And it is only with our support that it will be built into a movement in the future.
Farage has a limited time in which to pause, reflect and realise what a foolish, self-destructive move he has made and quickly resolve to make amends. Otherwise, much, if not all, will be lost.
