Reform UK is facing internal pressure to strengthen its organisation and oversight after undercover filming broadcast by Channel 4 News led to two senior party figures losing their jobs, at least for now.
The controversy dominated the party’s conference in Birmingham and prompted renewed questions about its approach to fundraising, internal checks and the culture established under leader Nigel Farage.
A senior Reform figure privately described the party as “still a bit of a pirate ship”, while arguing that its informal and unconventional style needed to be matched by stronger systems.
“A key part of the appeal of us is the sense of us being cavaliers. Doing things differently. Standing out. And that’s great,” the figure said. “But we need roundheads too. Those who ask the boring questions. Do the checks. We need more of them too.”
The story follows undercover filming by Channel 4 News and Verbatim Investigations. Before the broadcast, senior party figures were described as relatively relaxed about the claims. After it aired, there was anger and a growing sense within the party that the issue was serious, according to the report.
The controversy overshadowed a conference that had been planned for months and raised concerns about the image Reform projects as it seeks to be seen as a potential party of government. Critics have portrayed the party as ramshackle and amateurish, while also pointing to what they say appears to be a pattern of activity intended to breach the law.
Farage rejected that suggestion, insisting there was no such pattern.
Some Reform figures believe the party’s culture reflects its leader’s style. They admire Farage’s communication skills and political boldness, but are calling for changes behind the scenes to reduce the risk of further embarrassment and improve the party’s infrastructure and personnel.
The party’s recent growth has been associated with defections, electoral gains and fundraising. Former Conservative cabinet ministers Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman have joined Reform, while the party has also made gains in English local elections and elections to the devolved parliaments in Wales and Scotland.
The report says James Orr, Reform’s head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a senior aide to Farage, will be missed inside the party. Some figures privately wonder whether Orr could return. Jukes has been dividing his time between the UK and the United States, where his wife and baby are based, leaving uncertainty about his immediate future.
Reform leaves Birmingham with its conference overshadowed by the controversy. The party’s response in the coming weeks and months will determine whether it can address calls for a more professional operation while preserving the character that its supporters value.
