A consultancy boss friend admits to having been impressed. A longtime Tory voter, he was prepared to be sceptical and dismissive when Nigel Farage dropped by. But, instead, he says he found himself nodding along in agreement with the Reform UK leader. He still has reservations — regarding Brexit, the practicalities of some of Reform’s policies, the focus on immigration and some of the more outlandish claims, the party’s lack of depth, its ability to execute its promises and Farage’s own history and character. That’s quite a list but nevertheless, he says, he still came away feeling more positive than he thought possible.
It is the same when I speak to a City chief executive, who says Reform’s shadow business secretary had also been convincing when he came to visit. When quizzed further, they both give similar answers. Farage and Tice each spoke their language. It wasn’t just their no-nonsense directness that went down well, it was their manner. They were comfortable, as you would expect from two men who have previously worked in business, in the City and commerce. They spoke the language of the golf club bar — sorry, the boardroom — and it was well received.
