Nigel Farage is hoping to win two or three mayoralties in this week local elections – and perhaps even the Runcorn and Helsby by-election.
But the Reform UK leader revealed to Sky News political editor Beth Rigby his biggest fear is “winning but not delivering”.
Councillors across England are facing election on Thursday, as well as six mayoralties being up for grabs.
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And the Runcorn and Helsby by-election is taking place after Labour’s Mike Amesbury resigned, having punched a constituent.
Mr Farage is hoping to build on the momentum he built last year at the general election – and says he wants to replace the Conservatives as the main opposition party.
Asked what his goals were, the Reform leader said he was feeling more and more “optimistic” about winning in the by-election.
As for the rest of the votes, Mr Farage said: “I think national vote share, we’re going to do very, very well. I think mayoralties, I think we’ll win two, maybe three.”
He highlighted Hull, Lincolnshire and perhaps Doncaster as his party’s best hopes.
Mr Farage was also asked about whether his party would – at a local level – do deals with the likes of Labour and Tory councillors in order to control local authorities.
He said that any agreement would have to be done on the grounds that all parties agree to council finances being audited, and also that local authorities “stop fighting climate change – things like that”.
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But Mr Farage said he did not want to be making deals with Labour or the Conservatives.
Asked what the biggest risk to his party was, Mr Farage said: “The biggest risk is succeeding, winning mayoralties, perhaps winning control of county councils, and not delivering.”
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He said if Reform doesn’t deliver, then voters will say the party is “just like” the others.
Mr Farage said his party is doing well because it is trusted, and voters have lost faith in others.
The Reform UK leader was also asked about his stance on the NHS.
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Mr Farage stated that he wants to see the way the health service is funded changed.
He said that he wants it to be “free at the point of delivery”, but not “funded through general taxation”.
He claimed the UK gets “worse bang for buck” than any other country when it comes to health spending.
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Mr Farage said it would be “odd” for Labour to be in the position where it is upset at the suggestion that rich people might have to pay for healthcare.
The interview with Nigel Farage is part of a series of election previews with all major parties invited.
