Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has identified Doncaster and other former South Yorkshire coalfield communities as key targets in upcoming elections. Farage, the former Clacton MP, aims to build on his party’s 2019 general election performance, where Reform UK secured second place in 10 Yorkshire constituencies.
Farage confirmed that his party will focus on the upcoming local and mayoral elections in Doncaster, set for May 2025. He sees the region as a “serious target” for his party, with the potential for electoral gains.
“There are many parts of the old South Yorkshire coalfield that I genuinely believe will be very, very serious target seats for us come the next election,” Farage told BBC Look North in an interview ahead of the party’s annual conference.
Reform UK has been rapidly expanding its presence across Yorkshire, forming branches to strengthen local support. Farage emphasised that the party’s organisational growth is a key strategy leading into elections.
“We’re looking ahead to 2026 and 2027, when there are big sets of elections right across the county,” he said, adding that Doncaster would be the main focus for Reform UK in 2025.
Farage also highlighted the importance of building a base of local councillors to position the party for success in future parliamentary elections, particularly the general election in 2028.
This strategy aims to give Reform UK a foothold in key districts, enabling the party to increase its influence and secure more MPs in the long term.
Based in Armthorpe, George Viola is the Senior Editor at City of Doncaster News. Previously he has worked for The Huffington Post.
