Reform UK has claimed it is now the largest political party in Britain, saying its membership has overtaken Labour’s amid reports of a sharp decline in Labour Party numbers. Nigel Farage’s party says it has surpassed 268,000 members, according to a live tracker displayed on its official website.
Nigel Farage described the development as a turning point in British politics, declaring that Reform UK had moved ahead of Labour and signalling what he called the end of the traditional two-party system. He said the milestone strengthened Reform’s ambition to challenge for power at the next general election.
Labour Membership Reportedly Falls Below 250,000
The Times reported that Labour’s paid-up membership has fallen below 250,000, citing internal figures. Labour does not publish real-time membership data and releases official figures only once a year in its annual accounts.
Party records published in August showed Labour had 333,235 members in the year ending December 2024, down from 370,450 a year earlier. This continues a multi-year decline from a peak of more than 500,000 members during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.
A Labour spokesperson said the party does not provide running updates on membership and reiterated that figures are disclosed annually as part of financial reporting.
Internal Critics Warn of ‘Top-Down’ Party Model
The centre-left pressure group Mainstream, which is backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, said the reported decline highlights deep structural problems within Labour. The group said Labour’s leadership approach has failed to energise supporters at grassroots level.
In a statement, Mainstream said Labour needs to rebuild a community-based membership movement to counter right-wing parties and restore trust among activists. It argued that only a more democratic, member-driven party can deliver electoral success and broader political renewal.
Reform UK Membership Boost Strengthens War Chest
Reform UK’s claimed surge in members is expected to significantly boost its campaign finances through increased subscription income, adding to a growing list of major donations.
Electoral Commission records show the party received a £9 million donation in August from Thailand-based businessman Christopher Harborne. The contribution was the largest single political donation made by a living individual in modern British history.
Farage said the donor expected nothing in return and said he was confident about the legitimacy and source of the funds, dismissing concerns raised by political opponents.
Greens Surge as Conservatives Continue to Decline
The Green Party has also reported rapid growth in membership, rising from around 70,000 to more than 180,000 since the election of new leader Zack Polanski in September. The increase suggests the Greens have overtaken the Conservatives in membership size.
Conservative Party membership has steadily declined in recent years and is now estimated at around 123,000, reflecting wider challenges facing the party after multiple election defeats and leadership changes.
Fragmentation of UK Party Politics
The competing claims reflect a broader fragmentation of British politics, with traditional parties struggling to maintain mass membership while newer or smaller parties capitalise on public dissatisfaction. Analysts say shifting loyalties, declining trust in institutions, and polarised political debates are reshaping the UK’s party landscape ahead of the next general election.
