One Nation has enlisted a former Conservative MP from the UK, who is currently affiliated with Nigel Farage’s right-wing party, Reform UK, to bolster its campaign for the forthcoming byelection in Farrer.
Tom Hunt, who served as the Conservative representative for Ipswich from 2019 until the upcoming 2024 elections, has been providing guidance on the social media strategy for One Nation’s campaign after previously working on the South Australian state elections.
A spokesperson for One Nation confirmed Hunt’s membership with Reform UK, highlighting his collaboration with One Nation during both the state election and the federal byelection campaign.
Records from the South Australian electoral commission indicate that Hunt has received at least $1,000 for his consulting work since February.
During an April event at a local pub, David Farley, One Nation’s candidate for Farrer, commended Hunt for bringing “valuable insights” regarding the political landscape in the UK and Europe. “I found our discussions quite refreshing, allowing us to engage with similar issues that we face here in Australia,” Farley remarked.
In a November 2025 article for the Spectator, Hunt expressed that his interactions with various figures on the Australian political right led him to believe that the Coalition could be heading toward a fate similar to that of the UK Conservative Party, which has seen its poll numbers drop below 20%.
The platform of Reform UK shares many similarities with One Nation’s, particularly in its calls for reducing immigration and abolishing renewable energy targets and initiatives.
As support for Farage’s party has surged, at least 18 current or former Conservative parliamentarians have transitioned to Reform UK.
In Australia, One Nation’s ascent since the federal elections in May has created a rift within the Coalition, with debates centering on whether to adopt a more hardline stance like that of One Nation or to maintain a more inclusive centre-right approach.
The shift of Barnaby Joyce from the Nationals to One Nation in December is seen as an early indication of this potential divide reflecting the changes occurring in the UK.
In another article for the Spectator published in February, Hunt expressed concern, stating, “Despite an electoral system that often serves to protect the dominant parties, I believe the future of the Liberal Party is as precarious as that of the UK Conservative Party.”
Reform UK confirmed Hunt’s membership but clarified that he does not officially represent or speak for the party.
The byelection for the Farrer seat in regional New South Wales is set for May 9 and will serve as One Nation’s inaugural federal challenge since its recent surge in popularity. In the South Australian elections, strong polling leading up to the election resulted in the party securing four seats in the lower house and three in the state legislative council.
If Farley secures victory, it would increase One Nation’s representation in the federal parliament to six MPs.
A March poll conducted by UComm for the Australia Institute indicated that 28.7% of respondents intended to vote for One Nation in Farrer, while independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe garnered 23.3%, and Liberal candidate Raissa Butkowski received 19.1%. This poll was conducted prior to the campaign intensifying and included an option for Labor, which was selected by 9% of those surveyed; however, Labor later opted not to field a candidate.
