One Reform official, granted anonymity to discuss electoral strategy, said that winning a symbolic victory in Greater Manchester’s first preference votes — even if they lose on second preferences — is “really the goal.” The same official said: “If it was first preference we’d throw the kitchen sink at the contest, but with preferential voting it’s a tough challenge.”
Such a result — with Reform locked out by a progressive team-up — would at least allow the party to louden their cries of foul play.
Labour’s legislation on the mayoral electoral system was introduced to Parliament in July last year, long before the Manchester by-election was conceived. That hasn’t stopped Reform making the charge, with Anderson pointing out that the change wasn’t formally brought into force until June 18.
“Labour’s cynical changes to the voting system just weeks before this by-election was called reeks of an establishment stitch-up,” he told POLITICO. “They continue to use the machinery of the state against us because they are absolutely terrified of Reform.”
Others are less convinced that the Reform leader’s blasts at a rigged system will get him over the line.
“The establishment-against-Nigel line is so 2020,” said one former frontline politician who has served alongside Farage and remains well-connected with the party’s base, also granted anonymity to speak candidly. “They need to move on — it’s true, but we need to hear more about what they’re actually going to do about it.”
Andrew McDonald contributed reporting.