Reform UK’s membership has overtaken the Conservative Party, marking a major milestone. Party leader Nigel Farage called it a “historic moment,” noting that the youngest UK political party surpassed the oldest.

Reform UK’s membership exceeded 131,680, the lowest-ever figure for the Conservatives. In July’s general election, Reform gained five parliamentary seats, securing 14% of the vote and splitting the right-wing electorate.

Labour won by a landslide but faced public disappointment. Analysts warn of a possible shift in UK politics, recalling the Liberal Party’s decline after World War I. Farage has also discussed funding with Elon Musk to boost his hard-right party.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke now has expanded powers to impose curfews and electronic monitoring on dangerous non-citizens released. These measures bypass the need for High Court approval and focus on individuals deemed community safety risks.

The changes address the fallout from the High Court's 2023 ruling against indefinite detention of non-deportable non-citizens, which saw dangerous offenders released. The legislation introduces a "community protection test" to ensure monitoring complies with constitutional limits.

This development follows legal challenges faced by the Albanese government and a deal with the Opposition. The expanded authority also enhances Burke's ability to deport individuals without legal residency.

Elon Musk called for increased immigration of skilled foreign workers to the U.S., citing a dire shortage of engineering talent. He emphasized that hiring American workers is preferred but insufficient, given the shortage of highly skilled individuals.

Musk likened recruiting global talent to building a championship sports team. His comments faced backlash from immigration restrictionists, but Musk defended his stance, warning that America risks losing if it denies access to the world’s best talent.

The debate coincides with President-elect Trump’s appointment of Sriram Krishnan, who advocates removing green card caps and shifting to a merit-based immigration system for skilled workers.