Reform UK Declines Coalitions, Vows ‘Common Sense Politics’ After ‘Political Earthquake’

Reform UK’s deputy leader has confirmed the party will not enter into formal coalitions with other parties following its historic gains in Thursday’s elections, insisting voters want “common sense politics” instead.

Richard Tice, speaking in a broadcast interview, said the party had delivered a “political earthquake” after winning control of 14 councils and gaining more than 1,450 council seats in England, while also coming second in both the Senedd and the Scottish Parliament.

“Voters have said we want more reform,” Tice said. “We’ve repainted the red wall a bright optimistic turquoise. We’ve repainted the Tory shires of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.”

Asked how his councillors would operate in areas where no single party has overall control, Tice rejected the suggestion that coalition-building would be necessary. He corrected the interviewer’s figures, stating: “We’ve won a majority in 14. We’re the largest party in another nine.”

Pressed repeatedly on whether Reform councillors would be instructed not to enter coalitions with the Conservatives, Tice responded: “Trevor, we’re not doing coalitions. We’re doing common sense politics, working with people across the whole spectrum, independents, whatever, in order to try and get stuff done. That’s what voters have asked us to do.

“They haven’t asked us to enter into coalitions. They’ve asked us to save money and deliver better value, better services.”

Tice praised Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, calling the election result a tribute to “what Nigel and our brilliant candidates and councillors have achieved.” He said the party’s focus would be on practical issues including reducing SEND backlogs, filling potholes using “glorious new British technology,” and securing better value in children’s care.

When questioned about a £5 million gift to Farage from donor Christopher Harborne, Tice said the donor expected “zero, zip, nil” in return. “Nigel is his own man. He is a strong man and no one can buy anything with regard to Nigel. His convictions, his principles are absolutely rock-solid to save this great country.”

Tice added that the gift was made to Farage “to look after his safety and security primarily before he decided to come back into British politics,” stating that millions of British people were “delighted and grateful” for what he called an “unconditional gift.”