UK Reform UK Member Tom Hunt Advises One Nation in Farrer Byelection

Tom Hunt, a former UK Conservative MP and current member of Reform UK, is providing social media strategy advice to Pauline Hanson's One Nation for the upcoming Farrer byelection in regional New South Wales. Hunt's involvement marks a cross-continent alignment of right-wing populist strategies. The move comes as One Nation seeks to capitalize on a surge in support within rural Australian electorates.

The Details

Hunt, who served as the Member of Parliament for Ipswich from 2019 to 2024, is focusing on digital outreach for One Nation's candidate, David Farley. Farley described his interactions with Hunt as 'refreshing,' noting the similarity between political issues in Australia and the UK. This is not Hunt's first foray into Australian politics; he previously advised One Nation during the March 2026 South Australian state election. During that contest, One Nation secured 22.9% of the vote, winning four lower house seats and three legislative council seats.\n\nFinancial records from South Australia indicate that Hunt has been paid at least A$1,000 for his advisory services since February 2026. Meanwhile, Reform UK has distanced itself from the arrangement. While confirming Hunt's membership, a party spokesperson stated that he 'does not represent or speak for the party in any official capacity.'\n\nThe Farrer byelection, scheduled for May 9, 2026, was triggered by the February 27 resignation of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley following a leadership spill. The seat is a sprawling rural electorate covering over 126,000 square kilometers, including Albury and Griffith. Historically a safe non-Labor seat, Farrer is now a primary battleground for right-wing populism.\n\nRecent polling suggests a significant shift in voter preference. A March 2026 UComm poll for the Australia Institute placed One Nation in the lead with 28.7% support. Independent Michelle Milthorpe follows at 23.3%, with the Liberal candidate Raissa Butkowski at 19.1%. The Labor Party has opted not to field a candidate in the race.

Context

The alliance between Tom Hunt and One Nation mirrors a broader trend of right-wing populist defection seen in the UK. Since the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, at least 18 current or former UK parliamentarians have left the Conservative Party to join Reform. Hunt himself was provisionally expelled from the Conservatives in 2025 before joining the populist movement.\n\nIn Australia, a similar pattern has emerged. In December 2025, former Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce switched to One Nation, marking the first high-profile Coalition figure to do so. Both Reform UK and One Nation share core policy objectives, including drastic reductions in immigration and the abandonment of renewable energy targets.\n\nOne Nation's recent fortunes have seen a marked improvement. In the 2026 South Australian election, the party's rise coincided with a collapse of the Liberal Party, which fell to 18.9% of the primary vote—the first time the Liberals finished outside the top two in a South Australian election.

What's Next

The outcome of the Farrer byelection on May 9 will be a critical bellwether for One Nation's federal ambitions. A victory for David Farley would grant the party its second lower house MP, increasing its total federal representation to six members, including four senators.\n\nThe result will also provide insight into whether the 'Reform-style' digital strategy employed by Hunt can translate into electoral success in regional Australia. If successful, it may lead to further international collaborations between populist movements to refine their communication and campaigning techniques.