Nigel Farage has acknowledged the significant responsibility facing Reform UK after the party's unprecedented success in local elections, where it gained control of 10 councils and emerged as the largest party in four others.
Speaking on GB News, Farage emphasised the challenge ahead as his party prepares to manage billions in public funds.
"We have the challenge that we run outright 10 councils - we're the biggest party by some margin in four others and we will have to find coalitions or defections or whatever it is," he said.
The Reform UK leader stressed that his party now faces the crucial task of delivering on its electoral promises.
Nigel Farage heralded a remarkable set of results for Reform UK
GB NEWS
"We will be in charge of budgets totalling billions of pounds and we have to show that we keep our word," Farage declared.
He emphasised the importance of fulfilling the promises made during the campaign as Reform UK transitions from opposition to governance.
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Reform UK saw a massive rise in supportGettyThe party's success marks a significant milestone in British politics, with Farage noting: "The last time a party in England tried to break the mould it was the SDP [Social Democratic Party], they were led by some big, national figures."
"The SDP never established a base in local government, we have done so. That's why our prospects of doing something are much better."
However, Farage warned that Reform UK could face significant opposition when implementing its agenda, particularly regarding climate change policies.
"It's very clear what we have been elected to do. If we are frustrated from doing that by the Government or people in the administrations, people refusing to do what we have told them to do, then it's going to be very interesting," he cautioned.
Nigel Farage and Michael Ellis spoke to Andrew Pierce and Bev Turner on GB News
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He specifically highlighted potential conflicts over environmental policies, stating: "We're going to have some big fights dismantling the jobs around climate change. It's not going to be an easy battle, but that's what we were voted in on."
This confrontational stance suggests Reform UK is preparing for resistance as it attempts to implement its manifesto commitments.
Reform UK's electoral success has been described as "unprecedented" by Farage, with the party returning over 600 councillors and winning three mayoralties alongside its council victories.
The party also secured a narrow by-election win in Runcorn and Helsby by just six votes.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has acknowledged that Reform poses "a real threat" to Labour and may become the Government's main challenge at the next general election.
Farage has pledged to "get the auditors in" at councils now under Reform control, examining long-term contracts and imposing a "change of culture".
He specifically mentioned targeting spending on consultants and climate change initiatives at local government level.
