Former Ukip deputy leader Paul Nuttall has joined Reform UK as deputy chair. His return has revived memories of a savage Stewart Lee routine—nobody saw that comeback coming.
🧵 A familiar face in a fresh role
Paul Nuttall, once known as the “bad Bootle meff” online, is back in politics. He’s now Reform UK’s deputy chair, overseeing internal campaign strategy and growth.
Party insiders clarifed he won’t appear in public. Nigel Farage will front the “summer offensive.” No sign of Nuttall at the podium—at least not yet.
⏳ Flashback to Ukip
Born in Merseyside, Nuttall became an MEP in 2009 and deputy leader in 2010. He led Ukip briefly (2016–17) before losing his Commons bid in Boston and Skegness.
He resigned and left Ukip in 2018 after denouncing ties with Tommy Robinson. He then joined the Brexit Party in 2019 before settling with Reform UK.
🎙️ Stewart Lee nod
Comedian Stewart Lee previously skewered Nuttall in one of his routines—highlighting his habitual overreach and awkward ambition. Now, Lee’s lines feel eerily prescient as Nuttall steps into the spotlight once more.
📌 Reform UK’s broader ambitions
Reports suggest Reform UK may also try to attract senior figures from Northern Ireland’s DUP ahead of the 2027 elections.
One Tory insider quipped Farage may have “peaked too early,” referencing a £150,000 donation from Lord Bamford to Kemi Badenoch while considering a switch to Reform.
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