The alliance between the two parties was formed after Northern Ireland's largest unionist party, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), decided to re-enter the devolved power-sharing government at Stormont, ending their boycott over the Northern Ireland Protocol on 3 February 2024.[1] This led the TUV to label the DUP as "Protocol implementers." Former Reform UK MEPBen Habib had previously launched a legal challenge against the NI Protocol alongside TUV leader Jim Allister in February 2021.[2]
There was speculation that the alliance could lead to a splitting of the unionist vote, resulting in fewer DUP MPs being elected due to the first-past-the-post electoral system used for Westminster elections. The DUP MP for East 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 replaced Richard 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 MPs Ian Paisley Jr and Sammy 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]
Platform
The electoral pact was announced at the TUV party conference on 16 March 2024, accompanied by a speech from Reform UK leader Richard Tice. The leaders of both parties signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" which outlined a common platform:
Upholding and strengthening the Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including the full restoration of Article 6 of the Act(s) of Union;
Equal rights for all citizens within the United Kingdom;
Rejection of the Irish Sea border and the subjection of Northern Ireland to EU law and the ECJ;
The completion of a full Brexit so that the United Kingdom in all its parts enjoys full independence and economic freedom;
A robust immigration system and controls;
A taxation system, both personal and commercial, which rewards effort.[10]
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.[13]
