In a stunning political reversal, Nigel Farage has abandoned his central election promise to deliver £90 billion in tax cuts, admitting the flagship policy was financially unsustainable.
The Reform UK leader told party members in a private meeting that the numbers "don't add up," confirming he would not commit to the massive tax reduction that formed the cornerstone of his party's election campaign.
Backlash from Within
The abrupt about-face has triggered significant internal anger, with one senior party source describing the situation as "absolute carnage" behind closed doors. Many Reform candidates had campaigned vigorously on the tax cut pledge, leaving them exposed by Farage's sudden change of heart.
"We were out there promising this to voters, and now he's pulled the rug from under us," the source revealed, highlighting the depth of frustration within party ranks.
Conservative Reaction
The Conservative Party has seized upon the reversal as evidence of what they call Farage's "unserious" approach to politics. A Tory spokesperson stated: "This confirms what we've always said - Nigel Farage makes promises he can't keep and isn't fit to govern."
Labour's Criticism
Labour leader Keir Starmer didn't hold back in his assessment, declaring that Farage had been "found out." He emphasised that "proper grown-up politics" requires being honest with the public about what's affordable, something he accused the Reform leader of failing to do.
What This Means for Reform UK
This dramatic U-turn represents one of the most significant challenges to Farage's leadership since he took over Reform UK. The admission undermines the party's core economic message and raises serious questions about their policy development process.
With the general election approaching, the reversal leaves Reform without their most prominent financial policy, forcing a major rethink of their campaign strategy and potentially damaging their credibility with voters.
