Reform cold calling public in bid to find 'paper' candidates for local elections

[muriel_volestrangler]

Guardian journalist among those to get surprise request, though Farage denies party are ‘begging’ people to stand

Reform UK has been cold calling people asking them to become “paper” candidates for the party at the local elections, as parties dash to sign up enough names before Thursday’s deadline.

Nigel Farage’s party has been ringing members of the public asking them to stand despite apparently knowing very little about them except that they have signed up for Reform’s email updates.

Those who have been asked to stand include members of other parties and even a Guardian journalist, who was asked in a call last week: “Will you come in to become a paper candidate today and help us to win the election?” The caller added: “Just have your name on the ballot and maybe you will actually win the election.”

Prospective paper candidates are told they would not need to do anything apart from provide their name and address. They are then asked if they are bankrupt and if they have any criminal convictions, before being offered a candidate application pack.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/07/reform-farage-cold-calling-public-paper-candidates-local-elections

Because what local government really needs is people who haven't thought about what it means to be a councillor until 4 weeks before the election. Is it any wonder that Reform turned out last time to have a pathetic group of councillors?

[Doodley]

1. Farage is another version of Trump. How can his supporters forget he was responsible for the Brexit mess?

[Smilo]

2. He is the UK trump

and just like in the US, there will always be racist a'holes who will support farage. Hate sells and both trump and farage know this.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. It's still over 30% who want to stay out of the EU

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_re-accession_of_the_United_Kingdom_to_the_European_Union#2026

and they will typically vote Reform

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Lord-Ashcroft-Polls-March-2026-Full-tables.xls

That poll, for the suggestion "Rejoin the EU customs union, bring back free movement of people, and rejoin the EU as soon as possible" had Conservative voters split 35% for, 57% against, but Reform 14% for and 79% against (all other parties are about 80% or more 'for' ).

The actual "Westminster voting intention" split there is amazing: Green 14%, Conservative 13%, Reform 13%, Labour 11%, Lib Dem 6% and "don't know/would not vote" 36%. The UK has never been harder to call on what could happen in the next election. It's easy to be effectively tied for first place just by getting the "Brexit was a good idea" vote.