Blurring the Lines Between Politics and Entertainment

By blending traditional political conference elements, fringe events, policy discussions, and corporate sponsorship, with entertainment features like light shows, roving microphones, and pyrotechnics, the Reform UK Conference 2025 reinforced the party’s disruptor image. While still modest in size compared to Labour and the Conservatives, the event marked a notable evolution in Reform UK’s public presentation.

Controversial Claims and Fringe Dynamics

The conference wasn’t without controversy. Eyebrow-raising statements from third-party contributors included claims that COVID vaccines cause cancer and that net zero is a “communist conspiracy.” These views, even within Reform’s efforts to shift the Overton window, may challenge the party’s broader appeal.

Fringe Events Reveal Depth Challenges

Fringe sessions exposed a lack of depth in Reform’s bench of public representatives with policy expertise. Many events featured recurring speakers, and complex issues, ranging from social care to civil service reform, were met with vague responses rather than detailed policy proposals. This suggests the party is still building the capacity needed to govern effectively.

Building Policy Infrastructure

Recognising this gap, Reform UK appointed Zia Yusuf as Head of Policy to lead the newly formed Department for Preparing for Government. This team is tasked with developing actionable policy proposals and draft legislation to enable swift action if the party enters government.

Farage’s Vision and Rees-Mogg’s Advice

Nigel Farage continues to provide overarching direction, particularly on energy and infrastructure, with proposals like selective nationalisation. During a packed fringe session, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg advised Reform to prepare draft legislation for immediate use post-election, a recommendation the party appears to be taking seriously.

Engagement with Industry

Energy and infrastructure businesses reported constructive dialogue with Reform’s policy and external affairs teams. There was a shared understanding that public messaging would evolve as policy details were refined. These sectors remain critical for Reform to clarify ahead of the next general election.

Energy Policy: Rhetoric vs. Reality

Richard Tice’s main stage speech criticised current energy policies for driving up bills and destroying jobs. Reform’s proposed solutions, coal mines, oil drilling, and fracking, were debated in a lively fringe titled Drill, Baby, Drill? Abandoning Net Zero and Restoring Energy Abundance. Experts cautioned that no single solution exists and that energy reliability challenges must be addressed urgently.

Business Presence and Cultural Shifts

Although membership passes still outnumbered commercial ones, media commentary noted increased business engagement. Drawing parallels with the U.S., where businesses have become more open to engaging with Trump’s second administration, the UK may be experiencing a similar cultural shift. Future conferences may reveal how far this shift has progressed.

The Road Ahead for Reform UK

Reform’s polling lead may falter unless it delivers robust, detailed policy proposals that can withstand scrutiny. Without clear solutions, curious voters may conclude the party isn’t ready to govern.

Get in Touch

Grayling is attending all major party conferences. If you have any questions, especially in the energy, infrastructure, and planning space, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ross McWilliams at ross.mcwilliams@grayling.com.