Overview

• Nigel Farage launched Reform UK's local election campaign in Birmingham, but attendance fell short of the claimed 10,000 tickets sold.
• Labour intensified its criticism of Farage's NHS funding proposals, accusing him of favoring privatization despite his insistence on maintaining free healthcare at the point of use.
• Reform UK is grappling with internal discord, including the suspension of MP Rupert Lowe over allegations of bullying, which he denies.
• Recent polling shows Reform UK's support declining, with the party falling behind Labour and the Conservatives after leadership controversies.
• Farage proposed a UK version of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to cut public sector spending, echoing populist themes in his campaign.