They were calling it the “biggest rally in modern political history” and while there has been momentum brewing within Reform UK, this event didn’t even come close to meeting those expectations.
It was their local election launch in Birmingham where the party announced they can field candidates in every possible seat in the elections in May.
Up from the meagre 12% of available seats they managed last time. And that includes mayoral candidates with a new addition on Friday night, Aaron Banks for the West of England seat.
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A familiar face for UKIPpers and a major help behind the scenes for Reform UK, drumming up thousands of pounds worth of donations for the party.
In one of the biggest arenas in Birmingham, the production value was high.
Nigel Farage arrived on stage in a JCB accompanied by a live band and greeted with a standing ovation.
Thousands cheered from the stands at the 15,000 capacity venue, though a lot of empty seats were noticeable.
Speaking to loyal supporters who had waited hours for their party leader to speak, many raised their concerns with how the expulsion of one of Reform’s former MPs was handled.
Recent division in the party started when Rupert Lowe was reported to the police by Reform UK over alleged threats of physical violence towards the party chairman, Zia Yusuf, something Lowe called untrue and false.
The party also commissioned an independent report which found “credible evidence” of separate allegations of bullying, which Lowe also disputes.
Among the chants of support for the party during the rally, there were also shouts of “Rupert” in the crowd – quickly quietened by security.
