Tensions at Reform UK After Nigel Farage Shakes Up Party Leadership *The Irish Times* reports that tensions are brewing within the newly formed Reform UK party after its leader, Nigel Farage, made significant changes to the leadership team. Resignations and Dismissals Several high-profile figures have resigned from their positions within the party, including former deputy leader Jacqueline Jones and former business spokesman Martin Howe. Howe cited a “lack of direction” and “poor communication” as reasons for his departure. Additionally, Farage has dismissed several party officials, including the party’s general secretary, Alan Craig, and its youth wing chairman, Ben Gilbey. Leadership Shake-Up Farage’s leadership shake-up has included the appointment of new deputy leaders: Michelle Dewberry and Richard Tice. Dewberry is a former Conservative MP, while Tice is the co-founder of the Leave.EU campaign. Other appointments include: * Andrea Jenkyns as party chairman * Jake Goodall as director of communications * Lord Peter Lilley as policy chairman Different Visions Sources within Reform UK have suggested that the leadership shake-up has exposed different visions for the party’s future. Some members believe that the party should focus on attracting voters from across the political spectrum, while others argue that it should remain a more hardline, anti-establishment party. Farage’s Control Critics have accused Farage of consolidating his control over the party and stifling internal dissent. They point to the removal of experienced officials and the appointment of loyalists as evidence of this. Impact on Party’s Image The internal tensions and high-profile departures are likely to damage Reform UK’s image and credibility ahead of the upcoming local elections in May 2023. The party is also facing challenges from the Conservative Party, which has announced a number of policies that could appeal to its potential voters. As a result, it remains uncertain whether Reform UK can establish itself as a significant force in British politics or if it will fade away due to internal divisions and a lack of support from the electorate.Nigel Farage Shakes Up Reform UK Leadership After Election WinsNigel Farage Shakes Up Reform UK Leadership After Election Wins In a move that has sparked tensions within Reform UK, party leader Nigel Farage has sacked Deputy Leaders Ben Habib and David Bull, replacing them with former party leader Richard Tice. Habib expressed anger over the removal, stating concerns about party control and decision-making. Farage owns Reform UK as a private company, which he established to quell internal dissent that plagued UKIP. The reshuffle follows Farage’s return to the race last month and his support for DUP candidates despite a pact with Jim Allister’s party, which Habib had championed. Lee Anderson, who defected from the Conservative Party, joins as head of discipline, while party donor Zia Yusuf becomes chairman. Tensions had been simmering in the party since Farage’s return, particularly over his endorsements. Despite winning 4.1 million votes in the recent election, Reform UK secured only five seats compared to the Liberal Democrats’ 72.Tensions are running high within Reform UK following an announcement by leader Nigel Farage that he is stepping back from day-to-day operations. Farage, who founded Reform UK in 2019 after leaving the Brexit Party, will remain leader of the party but will hand over operational control to a new chief executive. Richard Tice, a former Brexit Party MEP, has been appointed to the role. The move has caused anger among some members of Reform UK, who believe that Farage is effectively abandoning the party. One member, who asked not to be named, said: “This is a betrayal. Nigel promised us that he would lead us into the next election, and now he’s walking away.” Farage’s supporters have defended the move, arguing that it is necessary for the party to grow and become more effective. They say that Tice is a capable leader who will be able to unite the party and take it forward. The leadership change comes at a time when Reform UK is facing a number of challenges. The party has failed to make any significant electoral breakthroughs since its formation and has been criticized for its lack of clear policies. It is also facing competition from other right-wing parties, such as the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and the English Democrats. It remains to be seen whether the leadership change will be able to resolve the tensions within Reform UK and help the party to overcome its challenges.