Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has promised a 'fresh start and new faces' if his party achieves an historic victory in Sandwell. During a visit to Oldbury on Monday, Mr Farage stated that the party would bring 'fresh thinking and fresh approaches' after 50 years of Labour administration. Reform is fielding a full slate of 72 candidates in next month's contest, optimistic about ending Labour's long-standing control of the borough.
Vague on Policy Details
When pressed on specifics, Mr Farage said Reform would be tougher on law and order and 'use whatever means' to save town centres from decline. 'We are going to try to save the town centre, and use whatever means we can,' he said. The Reform leader also promised to keep council tax 'much lower' and distanced himself from increases in neighbouring Worcestershire, which he described as 'such a mess' after requiring nearly £60m in government support to avoid bankruptcy.
Business-Friendly Approach
Mr Farage said Reform would 'treat businesses with a soft touch' as some councils were 'perversely making life difficult'. He pledged a more 'efficient and more business-minded' approach to local government. The visit marked two days of campaigning in the Black Country, with deputy leader Richard Tice visiting West Bromwich and Wednesbury over the weekend.
