How one donor's millions fueled a UK populist movement
In short: Founded by actor Laurence Fox, the Reclaim Party emerged as a 'UKIP for culture.' Funded entirely by a single individual, the party has navigated naming conflicts, electoral losses, and high-profile political defections while championing a staunchly anti-woke and sovereigntist agenda.
Jeremy Hosking registered the Reclaim Party, formerly called Brexit Express, on 13 March 2019. Hosking intended the group to serve as a political home for Conservative MPs who favored a no-deal Brexit. By the first quarter of 2021, Hosking had provided the party with over £1,000,000 in cash and services. This singular funding model distinguishes the party, which does not solicit general donations or membership fees. This financial support was primarily delivered through cash and services. Consequently, the organization avoids requesting public contributions or charging for membership.
The party's identity has been marked by legal and political shifts. In 2020, it faced a naming conflict with the Manchester-based charity 'Reclaim Project,' preventing it from registering its preferred name. It officially became the Reclaim Party in February 2021. Its platform is defined by a sovereigntist and anti-gender outlook, including a rejection of the existence of a climate crisis.
The party's most significant parliamentary presence was through Andrew Bridgen. After being expelled from the Conservative Party in January 2023 for spreading conspiracy claims regarding COVID-19 vaccines, Bridgen joined Reclaim in May 2023, becoming its only MP. However, his tenure was brief, as he resigned from the party in December 2023. Despite various electoral efforts, including Laurence Fox's 2021 London mayoral bid, the party has frequently struggled to secure significant vote shares or retain deposits in by-elections. The party also attempted to influence the 2024 general election by offering £5,000 to candidates who pledged to support specific cultural reforms. These proposed measures included repealing the Human Rights Act and banning gender reassignment for children.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Reclaim Party
- Also: Wikidata — The Reclaim Party · CC0
- Also: find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk — THE RECLAIM PARTY LTD overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK
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