Cable Forum - Reform UK's chronicles

My good friend Carth makes a strong (hidden) point which I'll try to bring closer to home.

The Makerfield "plumber", by his own pronouncements, typifies the body of Reform UK supporters. What's more, you can spot them as Reform UK types when they are on a TV panel - even the more eloquent ones. The upper echelon, however, are a different breed - some of them defected Tories.

Then you have the more refined types, like OB (may I say?), who are so disappointed with the Tories that they place their faith in Farage.

Then there's me: Farage is great; his upper echelon is very good. Kemi is great; most of her upper echelon are fails. If Kemi will sit down and have a curry with me, I'll help her put the Tories right.

Boy is this country screwed.

One small correction - "some of them defected Tories"

"some" doing very heavy lifting there… ;)

Farage - ex-Tory member for 14 years
Tice - ex-Tory member and donor
David Bull - ex-Tory member and Candidate
Jenrick - we all know his history
Braverman - as Jenrick
Lee Anderson - as Jenrick, only earlier
Yusuf - ex-Tory member

Hugh	16-06-2026 10:02

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36217451)

I'm starting to go with the earlier mentioned theory that Reform have deliberately scuppered it for themselves, allowing the Burnham chap a win and the prospect of a fight with Starmer.

I also don't think labour will do well in the general election, no matter who the head boy is then, and it's going to be fun seeing the infighting leading up to that.

Your theory is looking more and more likely - why else would Reform UK Wigan councillor Gemma Painter post this on Social Media?

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/atta...5&d=1781604098

Sephiroth

16-06-2026 10:13

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

Quote:

"I'd rather vote for Jimmy Saville than Labour"

That's what I'm talking about. The less than desirable depth of thought displayed by the Reform UK supporting unwashed.

Carth

16-06-2026 10:41

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

Just my thoughts/opinion, so don't shoot me ;)

The great 'unwashed' probably far outnumber the 'well polished' mob in relation to understanding or having an interest in politics (just look at turnouts for most elections over the years).

Reform are probably trying to tap into that sector by lowering the 'tone' of their campaign so it appeals . . probably much the same as Brexit and the '£350 million to the NHS' scenario.

The problem is, the unwashed just seem to be happy as long as they can watch garbage on the TV, have a McDonalds round the corner, and the local Primark has a sale every fortnight. When it comes to politics they don't really care about new high rise office blocks in London, or a very expensive high speed train line they'll never use, investing money they don't have, whether the gold reserves are up or down etc.

They've stopped playing the game because they're 100% sure they'll never win.

Sephiroth

16-06-2026 10:58

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

I'd like to Carth's excellent analysis a bit further.

Assume for now that there is a realistic chance of a Reform UK government or coalition.

The 'unwashed' won't make good ministers, imo. So the intellectual pool will have to be drawn from ex-Tories (including OB). Many of the ex-Tories are useless people who've never had a proper job.

It would be tough for Reform UK to run a decent government.

TheDaddy

16-06-2026 11:38

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carth (Post 36217451)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 36217465)

Good to see the excuses coming pre-ballot, rather than post… ;)

I think it’s too close to call at this time…

Pretty pointless excuse though, if they were that keen to do this why not withdraw the plumber?

Sephiroth

16-06-2026 11:42

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDaddy (Post 36217484)

Pretty pointless excuse though, if they were that keen to do this why not withdraw the plumber?

I'd guess that most of the other possibilities were of the type that considered Jimmy Saville a better candidate than Labour.

Carth

16-06-2026 12:09

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36217486)

I'd guess that most of the other possibilities were of the type that considered Jimmy Saville a better candidate than Labour.

1andrew1

16-06-2026 12:20

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sephiroth (Post 36217486)

I'd guess that most of the other possibilities were of the type that considered Jimmy Saville a better candidate than Labour.

I think the suggestion is for Reform to field no candidate so Burnham wins.

Sephiroth

16-06-2026 12:56

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

For my part, I want Burnham to lose. Rather the ‘unwashed’ than Labour.
That said, Burnham winning would lead too fun before pain.

Carth

16-06-2026 14:30

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

Lots of fun if Burnham wins, grab the popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show :D

Damien

16-06-2026 16:06

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

A leadership challenge is coming either way; it would be a lot more dramatic if it came on the heels of Labour losing a by-election.

OLD BOY

17-06-2026 19:48

Re: Reform UK's chronicles

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 36217420)

I believe OB was referring to Makerfield polls, as he mentioned Lord Binface…

No, sorry, my bad. My post was related to the national polls, but given the flow of the discussion, I understand that this was misleading.

In Mackerfield, itis neck and neck between Labour and Reform, with Labour slightly ahead. At least according to the local polls..