Reform UK has initiated its campaign for the Blackpool South by-election, with former street preacher Mark Butcher and ex-Conservative MP Lee Anderson at the forefront. The by-election, scheduled for May 2nd, follows Scott Benton’s resignation due to a lobbying scandal. Butcher and Anderson’s campaign aims to address the decline of British heritage and the neglect of vulnerable communities in Blackpool, one of England’s poorest towns. They promise to bring new perspectives to the local political scene and advocate for marginalized groups.

Simultaneously, Nigel Farage, the honorary President of Reform UK and former leader of UKIP and the Brexit Party, has sparked speculation regarding his potential candidacy in Clacton, Essex, for the next general election. His hints at re-entering politics have generated concern among Conservative MPs, fearing a split in their voter base. While Farage’s plans remain unconfirmed, his involvement could significantly impact the election’s dynamics, especially with Reform UK’s growing popularity. The political landscape anticipates Farage’s decision amidst discussions about his possible engagement in Donald Trump’s US presidential campaign and his upcoming 60th birthday.