Reform UK has been ramping up its by-election preparations as “rumours” swirling around Westminster prick Nigel Farage’s ears.
Farage confirmed the populist party was intending to field a “high profile” candidate to contest any by-elections freed up by allies of ex-Tory leader Rishi Sunak amid speculation that the former Deputy Prime Minister could step down as the MP for Hertsmere.
Hertsmere’s local Reform UK chairman Darren Selkus has since been rallying support ahead of Dowden’s potential elevation to the House of Lords.
He said: “If the rumours prove true and Oliver Dowden is granted a peerage in the New Year Honours, it would trigger a by-election right here in Hertsmere. With Labour still in power and the Conservatives in opposition, this presents a unique opportunity for a free vote.”
GB News understands that the letter was sent without the knowledge of Reform UK’s high-command but it did highlight the populist party’s ground campaign.
Hertsmere, which first returned Dowden in 2015, handed the ex-Deputy Prime Minister a 7,992-vote majority on July 4.
Reform UK received 6,584 votes, with Labour entering second-place on 13,459.
However, a recent Find Out Now poll suggests that Reform UK could supplant Labour as runners-up if a by-election is forced in the Hertfordshire seat.
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‘What’s the worst that could happen?!’ Local Reform chairman explains ‘by-election letter’
The chairman of Reform UK’s Hertsmere branch Darren Selkus has explained why he sent out a letter discussing the possibility of a by-election in the Hertfordshire constituency.
Selkus claimed he heard rumours about ex-Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden stepping down as the local MP to make way for former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.
He told GB News: “Reform UK Hertsmere was already gearing up for the County Council elections, so pivoting to prepare for a potential parliamentary by-election wasn’t a big leap.”
Selkus added: “But what’s the worst that could happen? A bit of extra campaigning that helps our County Council candidates? Either way, Reform UK Hertsmere is ready for whatever comes next.”