Richard Tice Leads Reform UK’s Surge as Party Challenges Traditional Political Landscape

Reform UK’s Growing Influence Under Tice’s Leadership

Recent polling has shown significant momentum for Reform UK, with the party surging in the polls and even appearing first in some surveys, putting pressure on both major parties.

Richard Tice, currently serving as the Deputy Leader of Reform UK and MP for Boston and Skegness since 2024, previously led the party from March 2021 to June 2024. Under his influence, Reform UK advocates for significant tax cuts, reduced government spending, tighter immigration controls, and a critical approach to Net Zero policies, while championing a smaller state and greater economic freedom.

Recent Political Developments

The party has achieved notable success in recent months, securing 677 seats in the May 2025 local elections, winning the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, and the Lincolnshire mayoral election. These victories, along with Tice’s parliamentary seat in Boston and Skegness, indicate growing voter support and a challenge to the traditional two-party system.

Controversial Positions and Leadership Style

In February 2025, Tice made headlines by stating there’s “no evidence that man-made CO2 is going to change climate change,” arguing that climate change has occurred for millions of years and will continue to do so. He has also been vocal on international issues, recently arguing in Parliament against funding UNRWA, claiming the organisation is “riddled with Hamas sympathisers.”

Personal and Professional Background

With an estimated net worth of £40 million as of 2025, Tice’s wealth comes primarily from his successful career in the real estate sector, including leadership roles at major property investment firms like CLS Holdings and Quidnet Capital LLP. Since 2018, he has been in a relationship with British journalist Isabel Oakeshott, and currently divides his time between the UK and Dubai, where Oakeshott has relocated with her children.

Looking Ahead

As the next general election approaches, Tice is expected to increase Reform UK’s influence, positioning himself as a strong opponent of traditional UK political parties while advocating for free-market capitalism and national sovereignty.