To think this is the beginning of the end for Reform

[PandoraSox]

Eight months in and the Reform UK Parliamentary party is disintegrating. Lowe has now had the whip removed.

I would love to hear from the posters who think IABU.

YABU

It’s the hope that kills you.

Why?

The conclusion is strange.

"Reform stands for the highest standards of conduct in public life, and we will apply these standards without fear, including within our own party."

Sounds like a threat notwithstanding that Reform has a real problem with councillors standing for public office.

No, I don’t think it is the beginning of the end. Nigel Farage isn’t exactly a model citizen and that doesn’t stop people flocking to him and believing everything he says as gospel. There has also been bullying in other parties without any great change to voter numbers.

I don't see reform followers caring about women being assaulted at work. They should know their place after all.

The statement wasn't signed by Farage @WhereIsMyLight

Why would it be the end for them - other parties' luminaries have got away with similar and much worse. Just because you want something to be true doesn't mean it will come to pass. I am not a reform voter, but they appeal to what seems to be a widening pool of people these days so I don't think this one thing will/can finish them off. I'm interested why you think the whole party will come crashing down over this?

But the point is, if the Reform Party itself collapses, Reform supporters won't have a party to vote for, even if they still worship Farage. Unless he firms yet another party.

I doubt Reform will still exist by 2029.

No, I can see that. My point is that Nigel Farage, who is the face of Reform, has a record of shitty behaviour. It didn’t stop him being elected as an MP. Or been seen as the face of Reform. Or Reform gaining the traction that have.

There's been a rash of recent by elections within local government and Reform hasn't won any. @OolongTeaDrinker

UKIP collapsed and along came Reform. If Reform collapses another shitty thing takes it place.

Because they are threatening each other with violence. Hardly good for party unity.

I think that could happen. It is not really the Reform Party, but the Farage party. I think Farage feels threatened by Lowe, who seems popular, especially with Musk.

It's not the end of a "Reform" style party. It may regroup, it may reform, it may survive, but the fact is that there are an ever increasing number of voters who want change and have lost faith in the "two cheeks of the same arse" currently political system. They're going to vote for whatever party comes up with genuine differences which they feel will improve their lot. It's exactly why the Brexit vote happened - i.e. for a lot of voters it was a kick up the arse to the Tories and Labour who both wanted to Remain. Both the main parties need to really think about the growing discontent (not just in the UK, but in Europe too) with the status quo political parties.

Reform voters know exactly what they’re voting for. To them this is probably just banter in the style of Sid James that got a bit out of hand. If anything I imagine many of them enjoy a bit of misogyny- keeps the women in their places, wot wot?

They're far right, they're in bed with Russia and they're not politicians and would never have a clue how to run a government. They'd also be a disaster for the economy. I sincerely hope they disappear as this country has enough to deal with and I can't see things improving over the next few years due to Russia and the toxic orange slug.

I agree Reform supporters don't care about the shitty behaviour of its MPs. But if the party itself collapses due to infighting, then that is a moot point.

Other parties are still going after having serving MPs arrested and some even convicted of sexual assault. They didn't remove the whip for allegations or proof of bullying or sexual harassment either.

IMO removing the whip for this is a positive thing for Reform. Respect to them for doing it.

Still find most of them abhorrent but can't see why this would be bad for them.

Farage had been the face of many Party's @WhereIsMyLight

None have been a success. His Party is but a blip now in Parliament. However Reform does get a lot of media attention and voice. Money talks.

I get the hope but honestly with Trump in power, Musk driving right wing hate, right wing politics on the rise across Europe… if the party collapses those voices are still going to get air time. They are going to be swept up with something else, it’ll just have a different name and different branding.

I think it’s probably best that Reform doesn’t collapse as at least that’s the devil you know.

I think you are missing the point. The Parliamentary party is beginning to turn on each other. I reckon Farage feels threatened by Lowe's mystifying popularity.

If the party collapses due to infighting, then that's the end of Reform.

It took him seven goes to get elected though.

Hmm. Maybe.