Reform UK winded by donations row as insiders call for shift in approach
The UK's Reform party is facing internal pressure to professionalize its operations following a damaging undercover filming scandal. Party insiders are debating the need for more rigorous internal controls to move beyond their 'pirate ship' image.
Why it matters
The party's ability to transition from a protest movement to a disciplined political force is critical to its long-term viability in British politics.
Image source, EPA Shutterstock By Chris Mason Political editor Published 12 minutes ago "We are still a bit of a pirate ship," a senior Reform figure acknowledges privately.
It was the recurring conversation throughout Reform UK's conference in Birmingham: the consequences of the undercover filming broadcast by Channel 4 News which has cost two senior party figures their jobs, at least for now .
How much damage does it cause to Reform? And what does it tell us about them?
"A key part of the appeal of us is the sense of us being cavaliers. Doing things differently. Standing out. And that's great. But we need roundheads too. Those who ask the boring questions. Do the checks. We need more of them too," this same senior figure adds.
The story of Reform over the last 12 months can be summarised in three words: defections, elections and money.
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