Reform UK was originally established as the Brexit Party in 2018 and began operating under its new name in January 2021. This timeline covers the party’s leaders from its first leadership appointment in 2019 to the present day. Although several prominent Reform figures previously belonged to UKIP, UKIP is a separate political party and is not included in this leadership succession.
See also: UK Conservative Party Leaders Timeline | UK Labour Party Leaders Timeline | UK Liberal Democrat Leaders Timeline
Timeline Contents (Tap to jump down the page!) |
The Brexit Party Leaders (2019–2021) |
Reform UK Leaders (2021–Present) |
The Brexit Party Leaders (2019–2021)
23rd November 2018 – The Brexit Party is established
The Brexit Party is incorporated amid political disputes over the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. Catherine Blaiklock helps establish the organisation. It is a new political party rather than a formal continuation of UKIP, although several prominent figures had previously been associated with UKIP.
Prime minister: Theresa May (Conservative Party).
20 January 2019 – 20 March 2019 – Catherine Blaiklock
Catherine Blaiklock became the founding leader of the Brexit Party, which had been formed in 2018. She resigned in March 2019 following reports of offensive remarks she had made online.
Prime Minister: Theresa May (Conservative Party).
22 March 2019 – 6 March 2021 – Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage took over the Brexit Party leadership in March 2019, having previously led the separate UK Independence Party (UKIP). The Brexit Party contested the 2019 European Parliament elections and campaigned for Britain’s departure from the European Union.
Prime Ministers: Theresa May (Conservative Party), until July 2019; Boris Johnson (Conservative Party), from July 2019.
January 2021 – The Brexit Party is renamed Reform UK
The Brexit Party adopted the name Reform UK following Britain’s departure from the European Union. This was a change of name and political focus rather than the creation of an entirely separate party. Nigel Farage remained leader during the transition.
Reform UK Leaders (2021–Present)
6 March 2021 – 3 June 2024 – Richard Tice
Richard Tice succeeded Nigel Farage as leader of Reform UK in March 2021. He oversaw the party’s efforts to establish itself in British electoral politics beyond its original Brexit campaign.
Prime Ministers: Boris Johnson (Conservative Party), until September 2022; Liz Truss (Conservative Party), September–October 2022; Rishi Sunak (Conservative Party), from October 2022.
3 June 2024 – Present – Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage returned as party leader in June 2024, replacing Richard Tice. He led Reform UK into the July 2024 general election and was elected MP for Clacton. He remains party leader as of October 2026.
Prime Ministers: Rishi Sunak (Conservative Party), until July 2024; Keir Starmer (Labour Party), July 2024–July 2026; Andy Burnham (Labour Party), from July 2026.
Researched and updated 19 October 2026. Leadership and current-office details reflect information available on that date.