As the Labour government continues to tear itself apart, Thursday 18 June has assumed a much greater significance than any normal by-election. If Andy Burnham, as expected, wins then many in his party will begin preparing for an imminent leadership contest. Talk of a snap election will inevitably do the rounds. At present, such talk is heard much more on the right than the left. Just as how Labour was impatient for an election during Rishi Sunak’s premiership, now many within Reform are keen for the 2027 election that Nigel Farage has long prophesised.
One factor in calling an early election is candidates: Labour obviously has more than 400 in place while Reform, officially, only have eight. As I reported last month, those who wish to stand for Farage’s party will undergo a three-step process, overseen by Paul Nuttall, Reform’s deputy chairman. The first step involves hopeful candidates submitting a form detailing expectations, experience and any ‘positive story’ about them as an individual. Next, they will be tested on debating, media and teamwork – assessments which mirror the selection process for the Senedd and Holyrood candidates. Finally, one of a small number of trusted individuals will sign off each candidate.
The process has been conducted in secret. Hopefuls have been told not to disclose details, amid warnings that revealing their candidacy could cost them a place on the approved list. But today Farage has decided to publicly reveal the first candidate who has applied to stand. She is Ellie Reynolds, a survivor of grooming gangs. She has appeared before at a Reform press conference and has been up campaigning for Robert Kenyon in Makerfield. ‘I think she’s going to do really well’ says Farage in a video on his party’s social media channels.
The release comes as Reform prepare to ramp up their candidacy process. Scores of hopefuls will be assessed over the next two months, with the aim of having more than 100 approved candidates by the time of Reform conference at the beginning of September. These hopefuls will then apply for seats, which they will fight at the next election. Conducting this process now when we are not even halfway through the parliament might have seemed premature 12 months ago. But given Labour’s woes, it is a sensible move, in case we get an election earlier than expected.
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