Advance UK has achieved a milestone unprecedented in modern British politics.
On Saturday evening, the fledgling movement reached its self-imposed target of 30,000 members, just 68 days after its preliminary launch.
The rapid surge in support now clears the way for the group to apply to the Electoral Commission for official registration as a political party. Founded and led by businessman and former MEP Ben Habib, Advance UK has pitched itself as a bold challenger to what it describes as the “uniparty” establishment dominating Westminster.
When the party was unveiled on 30 June 2025, Habib set what many at the time saw as an ambitious hurdle: no formal registration until the group could prove its resonance with the public by attracting 30,000 members. Habib argued that only with such a base could the movement credibly mount a nationwide campaign presence.
That benchmark has now been met, and at remarkable speed.
“I knew a new political force was needed in the UK,” Habib said in a statement on Saturday evening. “To be sure the people also felt as I did, I set a hurdle of 30,000 members. I thought it may take around six months to hit our target. I am utterly delighted that we have done so in just over two months. This is unprecedented in British politics and reveals the people are crying out for serious principled politics that puts the country at the heart of its mission.”
“I thought it may take around six months to hit our target. I am utterly delighted that we have done so in just over two months.”
With the milestone reached, Advance UK is preparing to submit its application to the Electoral Commission “very soon.” Habib also confirmed he will personally donate £100,000 to the party, honouring a pledge made at the launch. Combined with membership fees and additional donations, Advance UK has raised around £500,000 to date, funds the party says will underpin its campaign infrastructure.
“We therefore embark as a political party with the support of people across the country and the capital with which to mount our challenge of the establishment,” Habib added. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who has put their faith in us and in me. In return we will stand firm and not leave any stone unturned in our endeavour to restore the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”
Advance UK’s emergence comes at a time of mounting public disillusionment with the traditional parties. While it remains to be seen how the movement will fare at the ballot box, its rapid growth in membership has already secured it a place in Britain’s evolving political conversation.
The find out more go to advanceuk.org.uk
