Pictures as Nigel Farage launches campaign in Sunderland

During the event at the Sunderland Live Arena in Houghton-le-Spring, Farage slammed the two-party system, saying it has “broken Britain” as he launched his party’s local election campaign with a promise to “put the interests of British people first”.

In a speech, the Clacton MP said the May 7 polls were a “referendum on our entire political class”.

The Reform UK leader said the party would campaign on “local policies” and on seeking to control council tax levels, but that the local elections would also be a “vital stepping stone” to changing the Westminster Government.

He added: “This effectively will be a referendum on our entire political class and our message is simple.

“If you want real change, if you want different people, if you want those with the courage, who are prepared to stand up and put the interests of British people first, not international treaties or bogus organisations, if you want people who will make sure that it’s British people that go to the top of social housing lists, and not young men who’ve just arrived by boat, if you want change on May 7, you’ve got a chance to vote for change.”

He added: “Something remarkable is happening out there, and it’s because people understand that the two-party system has broken Britain.”

“We’ll begin on May 7, with that campaign, and indeed for the general election, May 7 is an essential, vital stepping stone.

“Whilst local government matters, it’s winning national government ultimately that we have to achieve to change things and turn this country around, change attitudes, and get out of the negativity of managed decline.

“Let’s start believing in Britain and believing in ourselves.”

Take a look at a few pictures below:

Dated: 26/03/2026Reform UK leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media this evening (THURS) as he arrives at Sunderland Live Arena in Houghton le Spring before taking to the stage later tonight for the national launch of Reform’s Local Elections Campaign. (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)

Dated: 26/03/2026Reform UK leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media this evening (THURS) as he arrives at Sunderland Live Arena in Houghton le Spring before taking to the stage later tonight for the national launch of Reform’s Local Elections campaign. (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)

Dated: 26/03/2026Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is joined on stage by a host of Reform councillors for the national launch of Reform’s Local Elections campaign at the Sunderland Live Arena in Houghton le Spring tonight (THURS). (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)

Dated: 26/03/2026Reform UK leader Nigel Farage takes to the stage tonight for the national launch of Reform’s Local Elections campaign at the Sunderland Live Arena in Houghton le Spring (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)

Dated: 26/03/2026Reform UK leader Nigel Farage takes to the stage tonight for the national launch of Reform’s Local Elections campaign at the Sunderland Live Arena in Houghton le Spring (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)

Dated: 26/03/2026Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is joined on stage by a host of Reform councillors for the national launch of Reform’s Local Elections campaign at the Sunderland Live Arena in Houghton le Spring tonight (THURS). (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)

Dated: 26/03/2026Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is joined on stage by a host of Reform councillors for the national launch of Reform’s Local Elections campaign at the Sunderland Live Arena in Houghton le Spring tonight (THURS). (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during a Reform UK local election rally in Sunderland. Picture date: Thursday March 26, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES)