Brexit-backing politician to quit as leader of Reform UK

Nigel Farage has announced he is stepping down as leader of Reform UK, the political party he launched in spring 2019 as the Brexit Party. The 56-year-old said he intends to step back from party political activity and election campaigning, but added he wanted to keep influencing public debate through the media and social media.

Farage told the Sunday Telegraph he plans to hand over leadership to Richard Tice, who he said would now have to help Reform UK “democratise itself and set up a national structure.” In a letter to party supporters, Farage said Tice would take over, and he would remain as the party’s “honorary president,” while relinquishing executive power within the party.

The decision comes as Reform UK prepares for the next electoral cycle, with the party planning to stand candidates in upcoming elections in England, Wales and Scotland. Farage said he strongly believes in the party’s agenda, including changes to the electoral system and the House of Lords, but argued he could shift public opinion just as effectively outside frontline party leadership.

Farage previously quit UKIP leadership in 2016 and later left the party completely. He launched the Brexit Party ahead of the 2019 European elections and later attempted to return to Parliament multiple times but unsuccessfully. The Brexit Party later officially changed its name to Reform UK, with a focus on reforming British institutions.

In describing his decision to leave frontline party politics, Farage said he believed he was done for good, adding that Brexit was “done” and would not be reversed.