Reform UK, a political party in the United Kingdom, is rapidly making waves under the leadership of Nigel Farage. With an ambitious aim of "professionalisation" while maintaining Farage's characteristic approachability, the party has seen unprecedented growth. From its inception with zero official constituency branches, Reform UK has expanded to over 400 branches across Britain. The party's strategic focus includes building its own technology, a move anticipated to be "decisive" in the upcoming election.
The party's core team comprises a group of young men with backgrounds in right-wing media. This includes deputy leader Richard Tice, chief of staff Matthew MacKinnon—a former Tory—and a communications team led by Charles Carlson, nephew of Tucker Carlson. Recently, Reform UK established its headquarters in the iconic Millbank Tower in London, signaling its growing influence and ambition.
Reform UK's social media presence is significant, boasting over 1 million followers on TikTok and 2.2 million on X. This digital footprint is complemented by a team dedicated to leveraging technology to further their electoral success.
“This is the house that Nick built,” said a Reform insider.
Despite its rapid growth, the party faces internal tensions over its stance towards the extreme right, with Nigel Farage navigating these delicate waters. Accusations of harboring a "hard-right" leaning have surfaced, although the party maintains a clear distance from figures like Tommy Robinson.
“We want nothing to do with Tommy Robinson,” stated Richard Tice, deputy leader.
The party's membership has surged by 100,000 members in just 75 days, indicating burgeoning grassroots support. A Reform spokesperson expressed confidence in this growth:
“Bad-faith actors attempting to infiltrate Reform will not succeed. Our grassroots strength is illustrated by the remarkable membership growth, Reform has added 100,000 members in 75 days and will shortly become the largest party in the UK.”
Yet, whispers of a potential rival party led by Ben Habib persist. Reform UK's national campaign manager, Graham Young, addressed this speculation:
“You certainly can’t work with Ben Habib at all, that decision came directly from Zia.”
As Reform UK continues to solidify its position, its approach remains methodical and patient, echoing Farage's long-term political strategy.
“It’s the same story: details and patience,” remarked an old friend of Farage.
The party holds five MPs and continues to expand its influence across the political landscape. However, internal discussions highlight differing opinions on how to treat older volunteers who built the party's foundation.
“It took some of the old guard who’ve been around to point out we were basically talking about older volunteers in the country who were doing this for free,” noted a Reform source.
Nigel Farage, often seen as a populist figure, is described by those close to him as far more nuanced.
“He’s actually not a populist,” said an old friend of Farage.
With younger members pushing for more decisive policies on issues like deportation, the party reflects a mix of traditionalism and modernity.
“The kids want deportations,” commented Jack Anderton from Reform's communications team.
Reform UK stands at a critical juncture, with new donors likening its rise to historical moments of change:
“This is a 1789 or 1917 moment,” stated a new Reform donor.