Reform UK on the rise: The new treasurer and the challenges of the small party

The wealthy entrepreneur Nick Candy was recently appointed as the treasurer of Reform UK, marking the latest in a series of high-profile defections from the Conservative Party. This development reflects the growing success of this still small party: In a recent poll, Reform UK surpassed the Labour Party and is now only two points behind the Conservatives. With five MPs and 100,000 members, its leader, Nigel Farage, can look to the future with optimism. Despite these advances, the 'First Past the Post' electoral system remains a significant hurdle, making it difficult for small parties to break through in the established two-party system. Moreover, Reform UK needs to work on its image of being a one-man show centered around Farage. Whether these challenges can be overcome will be revealed in the elections in May 2026 in Scotland and Wales, where the direct comparison with the Conservatives represents a decisive test.