The former Conservative club The Talbot in Blackpool has been rebranded as a Reform UK pub, reflecting the party’s rising popularity amid recent electoral gains and Nigel Farage’s landmark parliamentary victory.
A former Conservative club in Blackpool has undergone a significant rebranding, transforming into a Reform UK pub. The Talbot, located on Milbourne Street, now showcases bright blue paint and the party’s logo prominently on display. This initiative, captured on video by Mark Butcher, a Reform UK candidate in the Blackpool South by-election earlier this year, reflects a growing enthusiasm for the party among local business owners.
Co-owner Pete Flynn, who, along with his business partner, identifies as a party member, expressed his excitement about the transformation, stating, “We wanted to be the first Reform club… We love Nigel Farage – so it’s fantastic.” Flynn’s remarks underscore a deep-seated connection to the party’s leadership and its ideology, which resonates particularly within certain segments of the UK electorate.
The rebranding of The Talbot comes on the heels of a notable surge in Reform UK’s political fortunes. After making significant strides in this year’s local elections, the party has expanded its presence across various councils in England. Results in Medway and Tendring have highlighted its growing appeal, with chairman Zia Yusuf noting that the party’s support in a recent YouGov poll stands at an impressive 25%, outpacing traditional giants like Labour and the Conservatives.
The momentum has been further compounded by Nigel Farage’s recent success in securing the Clacton-on-Sea seat on his eighth attempt, marking a pivotal milestone for both him and the party. With a remarkable 45.1 percentage point swing in votes, Farage’s victory signals a potential shift in the political landscape, one that challenges the entrenched status quo of established parties.
In recent months, the party has also seen a 9% increase in its vote share during council by-elections, reflecting a burgeoning demand for its message on key issues. To capitalise on this growing influence, Reform UK has been actively campaigning across the country, aiming to fortify its position ahead of the upcoming local elections in May.
The rebranding of The Talbot as a Reform UK pub represents more than just a change of paint; it embodies a palpable shift in local political sentiments and the party’s aspirations for broader recognition in the national arena. As Reform UK continues to leverage its electoral gains and heightened visibility, the developments in Blackpool can be seen as a microcosm of the changing dynamics in UK politics.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/reform-uk-pub-blackpool-talbot-b2750937.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/reform-uk-pub-blackpool-talbot-b2750937.html – A former Conservative club in Blackpool has been rebranded as a Reform UK pub. Footage shows The Talbot on Milbourne Street painted bright blue with the party’s logo. Co-owner Pete Flynn, a party member, expressed enthusiasm for the rebranding, stating, ‘We wanted to be the first Reform club… We love Nigel Farage – so it’s fantastic.’ This move follows Reform UK’s significant gains in recent local elections across England.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/reform-uk-seats-nigel-farage-elon-musk-b1209689.html – Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has gained ground in England’s town halls, securing seats in Medway and Tendring councils. The party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf, predicts potential success in future general elections, citing a YouGov poll where Reform UK leads with 25% support, ahead of Labour and Conservatives. This momentum reflects the party’s growing influence in local politics.
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/07/05/nigel-farage-becomes-mp-clacton-8th-attempt-reform-seats/ – Nigel Farage secured the Clacton-on-Sea seat in Essex on his eighth attempt, marking a significant milestone for Reform UK. The victory, with a 45.1 percentage point swing, signifies the party’s growing presence in UK politics. Farage’s success is seen as a challenge to the established political order, with implications for future elections.
- https://www.itv.com/news/2025-03-20/reform-vote-share-up-9-in-council-by-elections-ahead-of-key-local-polls-in-may – Reform UK’s vote share has increased by over 9% in council by-elections since last year’s general election, outperforming other parties. The party’s ability to field more candidates has contributed to this rise. To capitalize on this momentum, Reform UK has been holding campaign rallies across the UK, aiming to strengthen its position ahead of the May local elections.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/reform-uk-seats-nigel-farage-elon-musk-b1209689.html – Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has gained ground in England’s town halls, securing seats in Medway and Tendring councils. The party’s chairman, Zia Yusuf, predicts potential success in future general elections, citing a YouGov poll where Reform UK leads with 25% support, ahead of Labour and Conservatives. This momentum reflects the party’s growing influence in local politics.
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/07/05/nigel-farage-becomes-mp-clacton-8th-attempt-reform-seats/ – Nigel Farage secured the Clacton-on-Sea seat in Essex on his eighth attempt, marking a significant milestone for Reform UK. The victory, with a 45.1 percentage point swing, signifies the party’s growing presence in UK politics. Farage’s success is seen as a challenge to the established political order, with implications for future elections.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative mentions Nigel Farage and recent local elections, suggesting contemporary content. However, specific dates or events are not cross-verified with the latest news.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote attributed to Pete Flynn does not appear in earlier online sources, suggesting it might be original. However, without further context, it cannot be conclusively verified.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, a well-known reputable publication in the UK, known for its fact-checking standards and neutrality.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Reform UK’s political gains and Nigel Farage’s success are plausible given recent political trends in the UK, but lack of specific evidence or corroboration from other sources makes verification challenging.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
While the narrative is likely current and originates from a reliable source, the lack of specific dates and corroboration from other sources for some claims keeps the assessment open.
