The Reform UK leader was accused of making the announcement in a bid to distract from infighting in the party
Of the 29 Reform UK councillors unveiled by Nigel Farage, only nine are new, and only three are standing for election. This announcement was seen as a distraction from internal party infighting after the ousting of Rupert Lowe. Reform also sacked a council candidate found guilty of fraud. A pollster suggests the Runcorn by-election is now crucial for Reform's credibility.
