It follows the fallout from the Denton and Gorton by-election.
Nigel Farage wants to ban certain people from voting (Image: Getty)
Nigel Farage wants to ban Commonwealth citizens from voting in British parliamentary elections. He claimed that it led to elections being fought on international rather than domestic issues, and said “we need to think very hard” about allowing citizens to vote from the 56 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific.
At present, Commonwealth citizens can register to vote if they meet residency or leave-to-remain conditions. He told the Telegraph: “It is right that only British citizens should be able to vote in British parliamentary elections.” He has also called for mass postal voting to be scrapped, claiming it would save British democracy from “corruption”, following the fallout from the Denton and Gorton by-election.
The Green Party won the Denton and Gorton by-election (Image: Getty)
Mr Farage said: “If this is what was happening at polling stations, just imagine the potential for coercion with postal votes.”
At the Denton and Gorton by-election, where the Greens claimed victory, a mass row erupted over claims of alleged family voting.
The illegal practice is when relatives accompany voters into the polling booth, potentially influencing their decision. Democracy Volunteers said it had seen family voting in 12% of polling stations.
Labour Chair Anna Turley said the reports were “extremely worrying”. Nigel Farage, whose party also failed to win, said it was “deeply concerning”.
The Reform UK leader wants ministers to restrict postal voting to those who “genuinely cannot vote in person on the day”, backed up by evidence. This may include the elderly and infirm, or those working abroad or serving overseas in the Armed Forces.
US President Donald Trump also vowed last year to scrap postal votes by the 2026 midterm elections, after claiming on Truth Social that mail-in ballots only existed in the US electoral system.
However, postal votes are used in several countries worldwide. In October 2024, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance revealed that at least 32 countries or territories authorised in-country postal voting. Several other countries authorised mail-in ballots for citizens abroad.
A spokesman for the acting returning officer at the Denton and Gorton by-election said the claims around family were “extremely disappointing”. Claims were being assessed by police.
