Nigel Farage warned over Reform UK 'curse' after thumping by-election wins

Reform UK has been warned of a "curse" despite its successes in local council elections earlier this year. Nigel Farage's party has claimed 10 council seats in by-elections in the past 33 days, following on from the 677 it claimed in May. However, pollster James Johnson warned that Reform may have a hard time delivering on its promises and presenting itself as a serious party.

He told the People's Channel: "They're becoming an option across the country for people who are frustrated with the mainstream, both nationally, but also in their local councils. It suggests that there's no immediate backlash to the councils that have been appointed, which were elected back in May.

"I think that's really the main thing I'd say about this. In some ways, this is obviously a blessing because it shows their ability to make progress. But it's also got the potential to be a curse, because they really have to deliver in these roles.

"Signs are at the moment that they understand they are doing a good job, but there are obviously a few years to run for people to really sort of demonstrate that at that local level.

"The big challenge for Reform nationally over the next few years is, can they persuade the public that they have a serious plan for Government and a serious ability to get things done?"

This comes as Mr Farage attempts to win over the public with his plan to control immigration.

The Reform leader pledged to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repeal the Human Rights Act, and leave three other international treaties he said acted as "roadblocks" to deportations.

He said the move was "justified" under the Vienna Convention because Britain faced "a national emergency in which uncontrolled illegal migration undermines public order".

A Reform government would aim to build detention centres on military sites to hold 24,000 people within 18 months, with detainees barred from leaving or claiming bail, Mr Farage added.