Statement on 15 May 2025.
Having just published Red Flag, my newly updated biography of Sir Keir Starmer, I am pleased to announce that my next project will be a book about the rise of Nigel Farage and Reform UK and the repercussions of the realignment of British politics.
The book will examine the party’s origins, its effect on our political system and the realignment of British politics.
It’s been less than a year since the last general election and already we appear to be at a turning point, as the Government and the official Opposition are forced to confront a young party that has more momentum than either of them.
Why did Nigel Farage return to the political frontline having left it to focus on his media and business career? What explains Reform UK’s success? Who are its key players? What internal struggles has it faced? How can it appeal to voters on both the Left and the Right? What debates are taking place as to its strategy and direction? How are the different elements within Labour and the Conservatives reacting to it? And what if it ends up in government?
Through careful research and scores of interviews, the book will shed new light on Reform UK’s astonishing impact by answering these and other questions.
As with all of my books, this one will be independent, objective, open-minded, fair and even-handed. Nigel Farage has made clear that he will not stand in the way or try to block access to potential contributors. It is, he has told me, up to them whether they want to speak or not.
The research I’ve done already into what is shaping up to be the biggest political story of this parliament has proved fascinating. I look forward to sharing my findings when the book is published in 2026 by Biteback Publishing.
