Reform UK is undergoing a seismic shift in its internal structure, with former Deputy Leader Ben Habib cautiously welcoming what he views as the first step toward the party’s long-overdue democratisation.
Habib, who has been a vocal advocate for opening up the party’s governance to its members, described the latest developments as a “massive improvement.”
In a statement, Mr. Habib expressed his optimism over the apparent transfer of ownership from Nigel Farage’s personal company to a new company limited by guarantee—a model that, in principle, allows for eventual control by the party’s membership. However, he stopped short of full endorsement, warning that certain key legal and constitutional steps remain before true democratisation is achieved.
“For the transfer of ownership to be effective, the new company would also have to become the registered political party, and its membership verified,” Habib explained. “The draft constitution unveiled by Nigel last year would also have to apply to this new company limited by guarantee. That constitution is flawed and puts his leadership in a virtually unassailable position. However, these steps would appear to be a massive improvement. As encouraged as I am, I will reserve final judgement on its structure until details are clear. For the sake of the country, it is vital that, if Reform is to play a central role in British politics, it is democratised.”
The move comes at a critical time for the right-of-centre political landscape in Britain. With the Labour government steering an aggressively socialist agenda, key figures in the centre-right movement are determined to prevent a repeat victory for Keir Starmer in 2029.
One such initiative leading the charge is the Great British PAC (Political Action Committee), chaired by Habib himself, which aims to ensure a unified right-wing strategy. The PAC will work closely with both Reform UK and the Conservatives to consolidate the vote and avoid the fragmentation that could allow Labour to retain power.
As part of its mission, the Great British PAC is preparing the legislative groundwork led by Martin Howe KC for the next centre-right government, ensuring that the policies needed to reverse Labour’s economic and social policies can be implemented from day one. With a comprehensive policy platform already in place (www.PolicyPlatform.co.uk), the PAC is positioning itself as a driving force behind the next conservative resurgence.
Speaking on the developments within Reform UK, Great British PAC CEO Claire Bullivant echoed Habib’s words and welcomed the news but stressed the need for continued vigilance.
“I fully agree with Ben—this is fantastic news and a crucial step in the right direction. Reform UK must be democratic and prepared for the battle of a lifetime. At the Great British PAC, we put country before party, supporting all right-leaning parties that uphold democratic principles. This marks a significant moment in our fight against the socialist, near-communist disaster of this Labour government. By 2029, we will be ready to take back our country and secure its future. Democracy is key.”
With an emboldened Great British PAC, a growing and newly structured Reform UK, and a Conservative Party under Kemi Badenoch also now signalling the right priorities, Britain’s right-wing forces are gearing up for a defining electoral battle in 2029.
Habib is right to a point, but one can understand Farage wnating to prevent the problems other parties have – UKIP was full of infighting and the Tories were infiltrated by lefties.
Of course, Farage retaining control doesn’t guarantee that the second problem won’t manifest itself, but the infighting issue is prevented if there’s nothing to fight over.
In that sense, I’m rather glad that Farage has made his own leadership position unassailable – the worst thing that could happen to Reform now is for a Tory-style backstabbing and a leader emerges who has no chance of connectig with the electorate.
There will be a time for Farage to loosen the reins, but that time is not now. One has to wonder if Habib has ambitions of his own – I’d have to tell him: sorry, Ben, but you’re not the man for the job.
Also, I have to wonder why Mr Habib is so keen for Farage’s position to be assailable. Does he have leadership aspirations of his own?
The problem with the leadership being assailable is seen in the Tories – they adopt a right-wing leader near election time, or while in Opposition, then they frustrate and ultimately defenestrate that leader via their ridiculous processes of letters to the ’22 committee, with only 15% (now 30%) needed to trigger a ballot.
Win or lose that ballot, the leader is weakened and cannot continue for long. Avoiding that kind of setup is important so I’m happy with the status quo – the current setup may be like democracy itself (the worst method… apart from all the others).
Basically, I want to know who will be PM for 5 years if I vote for a party. No more internal “night of the long knives” stuff, thank you very much.