Reform UK Claims Largest Membership Amidst Labour's Decline
Published 12 December 2025
Highlights
- Reform UK claims to have surpassed Labour as the largest political party in Britain with over 268,000 members.
- Labour's membership reportedly fell below 250,000, continuing a decline since Keir Starmer's leadership began in 2020.
- Reform UK leader Nigel Farage declared the end of two-party politics, citing the party's growth and a significant £9 million donation.
- The Green Party's membership surged to over 180,000, potentially overtaking the Conservatives, whose numbers have dwindled.
- Labour's internal critics argue for democratization and grassroots empowerment to counter declining membership.
-
Rewritten Article
Reform UK Claims Largest Membership Amidst Labour's Decline
Reform UK has announced that it has overtaken the Labour Party to become the largest political party in Britain by membership. According to the party's live online tracker, Reform UK now boasts over 268,000 paid-up members, surpassing Labour's reported membership, which has fallen below 250,000. This development marks a significant shift in the British political landscape, as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage declared, "The age of two-party politics is dead."
Labour's Membership Decline
Labour's membership has been on a steady decline since Sir Keir Starmer assumed leadership in April 2020. The party's annual accounts, published in August, indicated a membership of 333,235 at the end of 2024, down from a peak of over 530,000 during Jeremy Corbyn's tenure. Despite Labour's landslide election victory, it lost 37,000 members in 2024, with reports suggesting the trend has continued into 2025.
A Labour spokesperson stated, "Our membership figures are published in our annual report. We do not give a running commentary on them throughout the year." The party's membership fees range from £70.50 annually, with reduced rates for certain groups.
Reform UK's Growth and Financial Backing
Reform UK's rise in membership is complemented by a substantial financial boost. The party received a £9 million donation from Thailand-based businessman Christopher Harborne, the largest single donation in modern UK political history. Farage emphasized that Harborne sought "nothing in return" and expressed confidence in the donation's legitimacy.
Green Party and Conservative Membership Trends
Meanwhile, the Green Party has experienced a membership surge, growing from around 70,000 to over 180,000 since Zack Polanski became leader in September. This increase suggests the Greens may have overtaken the Conservatives, whose membership has dwindled to approximately 123,000.
The Mainstream network, a Labour campaign group, criticized the party's "top-down model" and called for democratization and grassroots empowerment to reverse the membership decline. "A vibrant, member-powered Labour party is the only way to win," the group stated.
-
Scenario Analysis
The shifting dynamics in UK political party memberships could have significant implications for future elections. Reform UK's growth, coupled with substantial financial backing, positions it as a formidable contender in upcoming electoral contests. The decline in Labour's membership may prompt internal reforms, as calls for democratization and grassroots engagement intensify.
The Green Party's rising membership suggests a growing appetite for alternative political voices, potentially reshaping the political landscape further. As the Conservatives face dwindling numbers, they may need to reassess their strategies to maintain relevance.
Overall, these developments indicate a potential fragmentation of traditional party dominance, with new political forces gaining ground and challenging the status quo in British politics.
Reform UK has announced that it has overtaken the Labour Party to become the largest political party in Britain by membership. According to the party's live online tracker, Reform UK now boasts over 268,000 paid-up members, surpassing Labour's reported membership, which has fallen below 250,000. This development marks a significant shift in the British political landscape, as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage declared, "The age of two-party politics is dead."
Labour's Membership Decline
Labour's membership has been on a steady decline since Sir Keir Starmer assumed leadership in April 2020. The party's annual accounts, published in August, indicated a membership of 333,235 at the end of 2024, down from a peak of over 530,000 during Jeremy Corbyn's tenure. Despite Labour's landslide election victory, it lost 37,000 members in 2024, with reports suggesting the trend has continued into 2025.
A Labour spokesperson stated, "Our membership figures are published in our annual report. We do not give a running commentary on them throughout the year." The party's membership fees range from £70.50 annually, with reduced rates for certain groups.
Reform UK's Growth and Financial Backing
Reform UK's rise in membership is complemented by a substantial financial boost. The party received a £9 million donation from Thailand-based businessman Christopher Harborne, the largest single donation in modern UK political history. Farage emphasized that Harborne sought "nothing in return" and expressed confidence in the donation's legitimacy.
Green Party and Conservative Membership Trends
Meanwhile, the Green Party has experienced a membership surge, growing from around 70,000 to over 180,000 since Zack Polanski became leader in September. This increase suggests the Greens may have overtaken the Conservatives, whose membership has dwindled to approximately 123,000.
The Mainstream network, a Labour campaign group, criticized the party's "top-down model" and called for democratization and grassroots empowerment to reverse the membership decline. "A vibrant, member-powered Labour party is the only way to win," the group stated.
What this might mean
The shifting dynamics in UK political party memberships could have significant implications for future elections. Reform UK's growth, coupled with substantial financial backing, positions it as a formidable contender in upcoming electoral contests. The decline in Labour's membership may prompt internal reforms, as calls for democratization and grassroots engagement intensify.
The Green Party's rising membership suggests a growing appetite for alternative political voices, potentially reshaping the political landscape further. As the Conservatives face dwindling numbers, they may need to reassess their strategies to maintain relevance.
Overall, these developments indicate a potential fragmentation of traditional party dominance, with new political forces gaining ground and challenging the status quo in British politics.
