Paper short abstract:

This paper draws on ethnographic research with Leavers and the Reform Party to explore the reproduction of racism and nationalism in the UK.

Paper long abstract:

This paper sets out to contribute to the growing body of anthropological literature that reflects on the maintenance and control of racism, nationalism, and social polarisation within British society in the face of Brexit and its aftermath. To do this I pose the following question: to what extent does the recent electoral success of the far right populist party Reform UK represent a social and political crisis within British society, that signifies increasing public support for racist and nationalist politics? In the 2024 election, Reform UK, formerly the Brexit Party, secured five members of parliament and was the third largest party by popular vote, capturing 14.3% of the popular vote. Reform is led by Nigel Farage a key political instigator and force behind Brexit and former leader of the far right populist and Eurosceptic UK Independence Party (UKIP). In this paper, I juxtapose: a) the social and political worldviews of white Leavers across class identities, who expressed support for the forerunners of Reform namely the Brexit Party and/or UKIP, with b) my ethnographic observations noted at Reform’s public conferences, meetings and rallies held during the 2024 election campaign period. I draw out some of the ways in which the racist anti-immigrant and nationalist politics of Reform has meaning and resonance with this particular group of white Leavers across working- and middle-class identities. I also examine the social, political, and ethical limits of this Party’s popular appeal with these Leave supporters.