Farage tells Reform members to expect election in next two years

NIGEL Farage has told activists to expect a general election in the next two years, as he told the Reform UK conference that successes in the last 12 months are only the beginning.

- HARRY TAYLOR and HELEN CORBETT Press Association

The Reform leader struck a triumphant tone as he gave an ebullient speech to members at the event in Birmingham.

Mr Farage said the party was on track to enter government, as he announced it was setting up an internal department to prepare for office.

The party's former chairman, Zia Yusuf, will become its head of policy.

The audience at the NEC was told that Reform would stop the small boats crisis within a fortnight, if Mr Farage wins an election.

He took to the stage earlier than expected, minutes after Labour politician Angela Rayner resigned from her position as deputy prime minister.

He said the government was now “deep in crisis” after the news, and amid challenges from the Green Party and a party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana, he believed the country could go to the polls to elect a new government within two years.

Mr Farage said: “We're used to hearing stories of splits in the Conservative Party. We're about to witness a big rift in the Labour Party, too.”

He added: “Before long, there'll be Labour MPs that reckon they've got a better chance on the (Mr Corbyn) sectarian ticket... they've got a better chance of being reelected under that ticket, under Corbyn, than they do under Sir Keir”