Reform UK–TUV alliance | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader | |
| Deputy Leader | Richard Tice
|
| Founded | 16 March 2024 |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | Right-wing |
| Member parties | |
| Colours |
|
TheReform UK–TUV alliance was anelectoral pact for the2024 United Kingdom general election in Northern Ireland between theright-wingReform UK party and theBritish unionist andnational conservativeTraditional Unionist Voice (TUV). The parties agreed to stand mutually agreed candidates in 14constituencies inNorthern Ireland.
The alliance between the two parties was formed after Northern Ireland's largest unionist party, theDemocratic Unionist Party (DUP), decided to re-enter thedevolved power-sharing government atStormont, ending their boycott over theNorthern Ireland Protocol on 3 February 2024.[1] This led the TUV to denounce the DUP as "Protocol implementers." Former Reform UKMEPBen Habib had previously launched a legal challenge against the NI Protocol alongside TUV leaderJim Allister in February 2021.[2]
There was speculation that the alliance could lead to a splitting of the unionist vote, resulting in fewer DUPMPs being elected due to thefirst-past-the-post electoral system used forWestminster elections. The DUP MP forEast Antrim,Sammy Wilson, highlighted this in a critical statement following the formation of the alliance, which he described as "absurd" and "self-destructive".[3]
The TUV applied to run candidates as "TUV/Reform UK" on ballot papers for the July 2024 general election, but this was rejected by the Electoral Office.[4] Instead, the candidates appeared under a joint Reform UK–TUV logo.
On 3 June 2024,Nigel Farage replacedRichard Tice as the leader of Reform UK. Farage subsequently distanced himself from the alliance, and on 10 June, indicated that the pact would come to an end with his endorsement of DUP MPsIan Paisley Jr andSammy Wilson. Farage stated that "new leadership brings change" and that he wished the TUV well. Jim Allister called the move "disappointing".[5] Allister stated that the TUV had entered the alliance in "good faith", and that Farage's move went against a previous conversation they had a week prior.[6] Following Farage's personal endorsement, Wilson called upon the TUV to drop the alliance branding.[7]
Reform UK confirmed its continued support for the electoral pact in a media statement, stating that Farage was giving his own "personal view," and that he has not dissolved the electoral pact nor intended to do so.[8][9]
In the2024 general election, Reform UK won 5 seats[10] and the TUV won 1 seat in Northern Ireland.[11]
After talks, Allister, the sole TUV MP, chose not to take the Reform UK whip, but to support Reform UK in some areas (including Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland, taxation and immigration) as set out in a memorandum of understanding.[12]
In June 2025, it was reported that Reform UK is exploring the possibility of organising in Northern Ireland, where it has more than 1,000 members, including setting up branches and contesting elections. Such a move could cause issues for the TUV, which would be competing for the sameright-wingunionist vote.[13]
| District | Candidate | Votes | % | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast East | John Ross | 1,918 | 4.5% | 3rd of 7 |
| Belfast North | David Clarke | 2,877 | 7.1% | 4th of 7 |
| Belfast South and Mid Down | Dan Boucher | 2,218 | 5.1% | 5th of 6 |
| Belfast West | Ann McClure | 2,010 | 5.1% | 5th of 10 |
| East Antrim | Matthew Warwick | 4,135 | 10.4% | 4th of 7 |
| East Londonderry | Allister Kyle | 4,363 | 10.6% | 4th of 9 |
| Lagan Valley | Lorna Smyth | 2,186 | 4.5% | 4th of 6 |
| Mid Ulster | Glenn Moore | 2,978 | 6.6% | 4th of 8 |
| Newry and Armagh | Keith Ratcliffe | 4,099 | 8.9% | 4th of 8 |
| North Antrim | Jim Allister | 11,642 | 28.3% | 1st of 8 Elected |
| South Antrim | Mel Lucas | 2,693 | 6.3% | 5th of 8 |
| South Down | Jim Wells | 1,893 | 4.2% | 5th of 9 |
| Strangford | Ron McDowell | 3,143 | 8.1% | 4th of 10 |
| West Tyrone | Stevan Patterson | 2,530 | 5.8% | 5th of 8 |
| Source: House of Commons Library | ||||
