The Edition: does Nigel Farage really want to be Prime Minister?

Mar 20, 2026

Guest

Jo Coburn

Jo Coburn, Times Radio broadcaster offering sharp political analysis. James Heale, deputy political editor at The Spectator covering party strategy. Charles Moore, Spectator chairman and columnist on politics and foreign policy. They debate whether Nigel Farage truly seeks the premiership, Reform's governing contradictions, ties to Trump, electoral maths and youth voting, UK defence shortfalls and the future of the BBC.

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ANECDOTE

Milton Keynes Rally Showed Farage's Revivalist Staging

James Heale described a Reform rally in Milton Keynes where Farage split his speech into thirds and used revivalist imagery.
The event featured a Union Jack sculpture, candidates rushing on stage, Michael Caine impression and revivalist 'come and join us' pitch.

INSIGHT

Momentum Stagnation Is Reform's Biggest Problem

Reform's growth appears to be plateauing and it struggles to present itself as a reassuring governing alternative.
Charles Moore noted voters now crave stability and legitimacy after prolonged turmoil, a space Reform finds hard to occupy.

INSIGHT

Trump Link Is A Political Liability For Reform

Farage's close association with Donald Trump and imagery like the gold photo burdens Reform's appeal and credibility.
Charles Moore and Jo Coburn both flagged the political and reputational cost of that US alignment for British voters.

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Nigel Farage is a shark – hell bent on devouring Britain's political class, as illustrated with the Spectator's cover story this week, co-authored by James Heale and Tim Shipman. Yet, from rows over the pension triple lock to stagnation in the polls, it isn't clear that Farage has a strategy for power. Reform may win the battle of the Right, but does its leader really want to be Prime Minister?

For this week's Edition, host Lara Prendergast is joined by the Spectator's Chairman Charles Moore, deputy political editor James Heale and Times Radio broadcaster Jo Coburn. The panel ponder the idea that Farage may crave power without responsibility. As James puts it, Farage is akin to a southern revivalist – but is momentum waning? For Charles, the Commons is still the 'cockpit of the nation', meaning the Conservatives hold a numerical advantage over Reform in driving the agenda. Addressing the crunch point of the local elections in May, Jo says it is clear that Labour will be 'hoisted by their own petard' and that the Greens offer a more 'successful repository' for those seeking radical change. What is clear is that British politics has never been more unpredictable.

As well as Reform's path to power, the group discuss: how the Iran crisis could be described as 'Suez in reverse' – and is exposing Britain's defence deficit; if regime change in Cuba could be Trump's next target; and their reflections on the greatest city of Earth – London.

Plus: should we defund or defend the BBC? Charles and Jo give a brief taste of the Spectator's debate next week on what to do about the British institution. Charles argues that Spectator readers would be 'instinctively sympathetic' to the Beeb's inheritance but 'disappointed' by its current status, while Jo says that the BBC is always trying to change, warning 'diminish it at your peril'. For tickets to this – and other events – head to spectator.co.uk/events.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

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