Nigel Farage tells every Tory councillor ‘join Reform NOW’ or risk losing your seat as party faces existential crisis

NIGEL Farage today wrote to every Tory councillor, urging them to join Reform ahead of local elections next year.

Mr Farage branded the move a “lifeline” for 1,352 Conservatives up for re-election.

The Reform chief said hundreds of Tories are facing an existential threat in May, particularly in areas where his party returned an MP or came a close second at the July general election.

He implored Tories to make the move and defect today.

Appearing on Never Mind The Ballots, Mr Farage revealed one county councillor in Essex, Jamey McIvor, has already heeded his advice.

He said: "They're doomed.

"The Conservative brand is broken - it doesn't matter who wins the leadership.

"There are many council elections this year that are in our next year that are in our strongest parts of the country.

"I've written to them to Conservative councillors to say we are standing and we won't stand aside.

"You are going to lose. But if you believe in the things that we believe in, you're welcome to come."

Reform swept to victory in five constituencies at the July General Election.

After seven failed attempts running for the Commons, Mr Farage was elected to represent Clacton with an 8,400 majority.

Deputy Leader Richard Tice won over Boston and Skegness, while Reform also gained Ashfield, Great Yarmouth and South Basildon.

The party's total UK vote share was 14.3 per cent, ahead of the Lib Dems on 12.2 per cent but behind the Tories on 23.7 per cent.