'We're the real opposition'

A WAR of words erupted between Nigel Farage and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch after Reform UK claimed it now had more members than the Conservative Party.

- Katie Harris

It came after a Boxing Day digital counter on Reform's website showed its membership ticking past the 131,680 figure declared by the Tories during its leadership election earlier this year.

Reform leader Mr Farage called it a "historic moment" and said Reform was the real opposition to Labour.

But Ms Badenoch claimed the live tally was "fake" and said the Tories had gained "thousands" of members since she became leader.