Reform UK has unveiled what it describes as a newspaper, the Reformer, featuring prominent photographs of party leader Nigel Farage and distributed to millions of households across Britain. According to The Guardian, the publication represents an unusual step for a political party, which aims to build a "significant national publishing operation" and provide an alternative to what it views as hostile mainstream media coverage.
Though Reform has hired qualified journalists for the venture, Farage is the only person credited as a reporter writing articles for the publication. In his inaugural column, Farage articulated the publication's purpose:
"We have had enough of what we say and do being distorted by the media. So instead, we want to talk to you directly, and make sure that you get our message straight from the Reformer."The front page carries a photograph of Farage smiling alongside a labrador, accompanied by the headline "Nigel Farage: we will fix broken Britain".
How does the Reformer differ from traditional party publications?
Political parties routinely distribute pamphlets designed to resemble newspapers during election campaigns in specific localities, but establishing a national publication distributed year-round remains uncommon. Press Gazette reported that the first issue, an eight-page publication, reached newsrooms on Tuesday, 27 October, and was printed by Walstead Group, which also produces major UK newspapers including the Sunday Times and Sun on Sunday. The party says the paper has been sent to 15 million people across the country, with copies also available on request at the reception desk of Reform's Westminster headquarters in Millbank Tower.
Reform insiders described the inaugural edition as "rushed" and indicated that subsequent monthly editions would contain expanded news coverage and features. The back page carries an advertisement inviting readers to join the party, with those using a cut-out form offered a free mug and badge. The publication also encourages readers to as Reform candidates for the May 2027 local elections.
What stories does the first edition contain?
The Reformer's front-page story proclaims "Clacton result: Farage 22,239, Establishment 0", referring to the by-election Farage triggered after resigning his Essex seat. Farage won the Clacton by-election with 22,239 votes on 13 August 2026, though the major parties declined to field candidates, leaving Count Binface as his primary opponent. The resignation followed revelations about an undeclared £5 million donation from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, which the Guardian disclosed earlier in the summer.
Another prominent piece promotes Reform's migration policy, stating:
"A Reform UK government will launch Operation Fortress. Prime Minister Nigel Farage will order the Royal Navy to stop the boats and return the illegal immigrants to France. Not one will make it to Britain."Military experts have disputed this proposal, arguing that the Royal Navy should not function as a ferry service. The publication also includes a tribute to Ann Widdecombe, the Reform politician who died in July, featuring a Farage quote, and an article in which Farage pledges to declare a national emergency should he become prime minister. Additional features cover local Reform politicians' efforts on filling potholes and collecting litter.
What are Reform's broader media ambitions?
The Reformer forms part of a larger strategy to establish what the party calls a "national publishing operation". Reuters reported that Reform has raised £72 million, including two £36 million donations from cryptocurrency billionaires, and plans to use the funds for party operations and media expansion ahead of the next general election, due by mid-2029. The party is also developing a television channel and expanding its digital presence.
Mick Hume, a former editor of Spiked and The European Conservative, is reportedly leading the publication's operations. The party is actively recruiting staff, with 12 journalist positions currently advertised, including roles for an executive editor, website editor, and multimedia reporters and producers. A job advertisement emphasises that applicants must be able to produce original stories "rather than relying solely on rewriting or republishing material already available elsewhere" and states that the role sits "at the heart of the party's ambition to build the website into a significant national publishing operation."
What happens next for the Reformer?
Reform is establishing a seven-day digital newsroom at its Westminster headquarters to support the expanded publication. The recruitment drive seeks NCTJ-qualified multimedia reporter-producers capable of reporting, writing and publishing high-quality content at speed. Subsequent editions of the Reformer are expected to appear monthly, with Reform sources indicating that future issues will contain more substantive news and feature reporting than the inaugural edition.
Key Facts
- The Reformer's first edition was distributed to 15 million households and printed by Walstead Group, which also produces major UK newspapers.
- Nigel Farage is the only person credited as a reporter, though the party has hired qualified journalists for the venture.
- The publication forms part of Reform's broader strategy to build a "significant national publishing operation" alongside a television channel and digital newsroom.
- Reform has raised £72 million, including substantial donations from cryptocurrency billionaires, to fund party operations and media expansion.
- The party is recruiting 12 journalists, including an executive editor and multimedia reporters, to expand the publication's coverage.
