Reform, Riots & Representation: The 2024 UK General Election
The 2024 United Kingdom general election marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape, characterised by the meteoric rise of Reform UK under Nigel Farage and the unsettling events surrounding the Southport stabbings and subsequent riots.
The Ascendancy of Reform UK
Reform UK, formerly known as the Brexit Party, underwent a significant transformation under Farage’s leadership. Rebranding in 2021, the party capitalised on public dissatisfaction with traditional political establishments, advocating for stringent immigration controls, tax reductions, and a departure from net-zero environmental policies. Their manifesto, “Our Contract with You,” resonated with a segment of the electorate seeking radical change.
In the 2024 general election, Reform UK secured five parliamentary seats, with Farage winning the Clacton constituency. This success positioned them as a formidable force, challenging the longstanding dominance of the Conservative and Labour parties.
The Southport Tragedy and Its Aftermath
On 29 July 2024, the tranquil town of Southport, a seaside town in Northwestern England, was shattered by a horrific stabbing at a children’s dance class, resulting in the deaths of three young girls. The assailant, a 17-year-old local - Axel Radakubana, was apprehended at the scene.
In the immediate aftermath, misinformation proliferated on social media, falsely claiming the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker. This narrative, amplified by far-right groups, incited violent protests targeting Southport Mosque. The unrest escalated, leading to nationwide riots - marking the most significant civil disorder in England since 2011.
The Role of the English Defence League
Among the first to descend on Southport following the stabbing were members of the English Defence League (EDL), a far-right street protest group known for its anti-Islam stance. The EDL, which had experienced a decline in influence over the past decade, seized on the tragedy to reinvigorate its base. Its leaders encouraged confrontational demonstrations, framing the incident as evidence of government failure on immigration and integration.
EDL-affiliated Telegram groups and online forums were instrumental in coordinating protests and sharing inflammatory content, which further escalated tensions. Their involvement added a volatile, organized element to what initially appeared to be spontaneous acts of civil unrest. For many observers, the EDL’s re-emergence was a chilling reminder of how easily extremist groups can exploit national trauma for political ends.
Misinformation and the Mechanics of Viral Falsehoods
The BBC investigation into the Southport riots revealed the speed and scale with which misinformation spread. Within hours of the attack, an edited image claiming the suspect was a Syrian refugee began circulating on X (formerly Twitter), receiving tens of thousands of shares. Voice messages on WhatsApp, allegedly from eyewitnesses, contained fabricated details about the attacker’s supposed background and shouted religious phrases - none of which were corroborated by authorities.
False information was deliberately crafted to evoke anger and fear, with far-right influencers and anonymous accounts repeating similar talking points: blaming asylum seekers, attacking the government’s border policies, and stoking fears of a broader “Islamic threat.” Despite official police statements clarifying the suspect’s identity and motive, these falsehoods had already taken root, illustrating how reactive social media ecosystems can outpace fact-based reporting.
The BBC’s report also highlighted how algorithms on platforms like TikTok and Facebook rapidly amplified emotionally charged content, directing users to increasingly extreme posts. The combination of real-time chaos, algorithmic virality, and ideological opportunism created a perfect storm for unrest.
Coming as a surprise to some, the Southport attacker was born in Cardiff, Wales, to Rwandan Christian parents who had moved to the UK in 2002, later relocating to Southport in 2013 and were actively involved in their local church community.
Analysing the Riots
Investigations revealed that the majority of rioters were local residents from economically deprived areas with limited employment opportunities. These regions had shown substantial support for Reform UK, reflecting deep-seated grievances and susceptibility to populist rhetoric.
The dissemination of false information via social media played a crucial role in mobilising these individuals, underscoring the potent influence of digital platforms in shaping public perception and action.
Implications for the UK’s Political Future
The convergence of Reform UK’s rise, the reactivation of far-right groups like the EDL, and the Southport-related unrest highlights a nation grappling with issues of identity, economic disparity, and the challenges of misinformation. Farage’s alignment with figures like newly re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump has been both a catalyst for support and a point of contention, with some viewing the association as a potential hindrance to broader electoral appeal.
As the UK moves forward, addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to such volatility remains imperative. The 2024 election and its aftermath serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in modern governance and the ever-evolving dynamics of public sentiment.
