Some think Britain's 'broken,' and they are looking to Australia for inspiration

Nigel Farage's Reform UK is emerging as a significant political force in Britain, challenging the status quo with a surge in support. The party recently dominated local elections, securing 1,453 council seats in England, and has become the opposition in the Welsh Parliament. Its influence is also being felt in Scotland, where it performed strongly.

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The forces that are sort of pushing reform are global forces as well which you see with the likes of One Nation in Australia.

Reform UK positions itself as a sophisticated movement capable of disrupting traditional politics. Its right-wing, populist policies, particularly concerning immigration, are resonating with voters. Joe Martin, a Reform UK MP in the Welsh Parliament, noted the "striking" similarities between Farage and Australia's Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party. Both leaders have maintained their principles for decades, and their support has recently surged, indicating a global trend of populist movements gaining traction.

Martin, a former finance professional who left his career to enter politics, highlighted the electorate's desire for politicians to address difficult issues like immigration. Reform UK is set to test its growing influence in a by-election in Makerfield on June 18. Despite strong polling and local election results, winning seats in the UK's national parliament has been challenging. The party was notably outperformed by the Green Party in a previous by-election in February.

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In Nigel Farage and Pauline Hanson, you've got two people who have stood by the same principles for decades and then only in the last couple of years they've seen their support surge.

The party's increasing sway raises questions about its ability to deliver on its manifesto promises, especially as it operates in a political landscape its members describe as "Broken Britain." While a general election is not due until July 2029, the Makerfield by-election presents an opportunity for Reform UK to make a statement and demonstrate its potential impact on the national political scene.

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That's what the electorate wants to see from their politicians is a willingness to talk about difficult issues like immigration.