In 1992, a frustrated young businessman decided to quit the Conservative PartyA British political party. Members are known as Tories. after it signed the UK up to closer ties with the European UnionA political and economic union of 27 countries..

In 1993, the same man joined up with a group of others to make a new party that argued that Britain should leave the EU. It was called the UK Independence PartyA Eurosceptic, right-wing populist party in the United Kingdom, founded in 1993. Its most prominent figure was Nigel Farage, who has since left for the Reform Party. , and the man was Nigel Farage.

Thirty years later, Farage is one of the country's best-known politicians, even though he has stood to become an MPMember of Parliament. There are 650 MPs representing people in different areas of the UK. seven times and always lost.

It could be eighth time lucky. Farage, who is now the head of Reform UKA right-wing populist party in the UK. It has support from Nigel Farage and used to be called the Brexit Party., may be voted in as an MP in the UK general electionIn the UK, when an election is held for all 650 members of the House of Commons. One must take place every five years. next week. And some think that in five years time, he could be prime ministerA prime minister is the head of government in a country with a parliamentary system. .

The story goes something like this. LabourBritain's main left-of-centre political party. gets a big win on 4 July. However, it struggles to sort out the country's problems.

The Labour PM, Keir StarmerThe leader of the UK Labour Party since 2020 and British prime minister since July 2024., would be unable to keep the promises he has made, and voters would be angry.

Normally, this would help the ConservativesA traditionally right-wing or centre right political party in the UK. Members are sometimes called Tories. . But the Conservatives might do so badly next week that they have very few seats left. People would call for the Conservatives and Reform UK to work together, and so Nigel Farage would lead the new joined-up party.

Going into the next election, set for 2029, he would be the leader of one of the UK's two biggest parties. He could, some think, easily win power.

So what, some ask? We live in a democracyA system of government based on the idea of rule by the people.. If the people want Farage then they should get him.

But others are more worried. They point out that his party does not believe in climate change science and that he has shared fake images. They ague that Farage's rise would actually be a sign that democracy is sick.

Is this healthy democracy at work?

Yes! In a democracy, people must be free to vote for whomever they like. If the people want Nigel Farage, then in a healthy democracy he will become prime minister.

No! Some fear Farage's party could eat a way at Britain's rules of democracy. The fact that he may seriously win power is not a good sign.