The British political right is in a state of unprecedented turmoil, fractured by infighting, ego clashes, and deep ideological rifts that threaten to undermine its collective power. What was once seen as a burgeoning unified force, epitomized by Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, now faces a full-scale rebellion as prominent figures peel off to launch rival movements, igniting a bitter “war on the right.”

The Great Divide: ‘White Noise’ or a Real Threat?

The recent announcements from former Reform UK stalwarts, Rupert Lowe and Ben Habib, have sent shockwaves through the conservative landscape. Lowe, a former Reform UK MP, is championing his “Tea Party style movement” Restore Britain, while ex-Reform UK Deputy Leader Ben Habib has launched his “new future political party,” Advance UK. These moves have been dismissed as “white noise” by some loyal to Farage, including newly elected Reform UK MP Sarah Poznic, but the tremors are undeniable.

Poznic, appearing on GB News, unequivocally stated, “There is only one party now that is the real opposition, and that is Reform UK. Ben… can launch what he wants. Let him get on with it. It’s white noise. Reform is the party that is going to lead this government.” This dismissive attitude, however, has only fueled the flames of discontent.

Critics, including the show’s host, were quick to point out the “revolting arrogance” of Poznic’s remarks, especially given Habib’s pivotal role in keeping the Reform movement alive for years while Farage was “off the pitch making all his money at GB News.” This “disdainful total disrespect to many heroes of the right mean movement” is, they argue, precisely what is “creating this massive split on the right.”

Elon Musk Wades In: Billionaire Backing for New Movements

Adding an unexpected dimension to the burgeoning civil war, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a figure not to be easily dismissed, has publicly thrown his weight behind both Habib’s Advance UK and Lowe’s Restore Britain on X (formerly Twitter). Musk’s endorsement signals a significant boost for these nascent parties, providing them with invaluable visibility and, potentially, financial backing that could seriously challenge Reform UK’s dominance within the right-wing ecosystem.

This high-profile support from an international titan like Musk suggests that the schism is far from mere “white noise” and represents a serious challenge to Farage’s perceived hegemony.

Allegations of Authoritarianism and a ‘Cult of Personality’

The core of the rebellion against Reform UK stems from accusations of “disturbing tactics” on crucial issues like mass deportation and demography, as well as an “authoritarian treatment of members,” particularly Tommy Robinson supporters. The hosts of “Outspoken” highlighted Reform’s “total rejection and growing rejection of Tommy Robinson’s Uniting the Kingdom Cultural Army,” noting that if you publicly admit to being part of this movement, “you are not wanted in Reform UK.” This exclusionary stance, despite the millions who resonate with Robinson’s message, is seen as a major factor in alienating potential allies and creating deep divisions.

Furthermore, the past actions of Reform’s then-chairman, Zia Yusuf, who allegedly “tried to finish Rupert Lowe off altogether by reporting him to the police on completely false allegations,” continue to haunt the party and fuel mistrust among its former members. Lowe himself publicly challenged Yusuf on X, demanding an explanation for the alleged false accusations.

Jasmine Bertles, a commentator not affiliated with any political party, articulated a common concern: “I am concerned that there doesn’t seem to be a proper structure. It does seem to be a cult of personality rather than something that is democratically structured, properly run.” She praised Advance UK’s idea of “setting up a kind of a college of people who would advise MPs and setting up a proper structure,” suggesting a more resilient and less personality-driven model is needed.

Is Farage All Talk? The PM Question

Perhaps the most stinging accusation leveled against Nigel Farage and Reform UK is the suggestion that Farage himself may not genuinely desire the ultimate prize of Prime Ministership. This provocative notion, put forth by establishment favourite Fraser Nelson in a recent Channel 4 documentary, suggests a reluctance to grapple with the “big and complicated” tasks of governing.

Nelson observes that Farage “will never give a straight answer” to the question of whether he wants the job, speculating that he might be “scared that he might” actually win. Nelson suggests that Farage understands the “dysfunctionality of government” and the challenges of delivering on promises when “the buttons don’t work.” He also highlights Farage’s tendency to brand ambitious pledges as “aspirations” rather than concrete promises, a tactic voters are “sick” of. This raises a crucial question: is Farage a master showman, adept at shifting the Overton window and riling up the base, but ultimately unwilling to face the realities of executive power?

The Path Forward: Unity or Further Fragmentation?

The immediate future of the British right appears increasingly uncertain. While many, like Katie Hopkins, lament the division and call for egos to be set aside for the good of the country, the underlying tensions and perceived betrayals are deep-seated. Hopkins herself, despite her loyalty to Reform UK, has been “completely personally rejected by the party,” highlighting the very issues of internal strife that are now fracturing the movement.

Richard Tice, a prominent figure now aligned with Advance UK, detailed his resignation from Reform UK, not over personal grievances, but over “constitutional changes that were being made and the lack of not support of Tommy Robinson but actually throwing people like Tommy Robinson under the bus.” He stressed the need for a “political landscape [that] needs an alternative to Reform.”

The “Outspoken” hosts champion the idea of a broader, more unified “movement that saves the United Kingdom,” akin to the US Tea Party that propelled Donald Trump to power. Whether this movement will coalesce under Advance UK, Restore Britain, or another new entity remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the current state of affairs means Farage and Reform UK can no longer “simply cannot be ignored” by the burgeoning dissent from within their own ranks. The battle for the soul of the British right has truly begun, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape the nation’s political future.