Reform UK

Reform UK was founded as a splinter from the UK Independence Party (UKIP) in 2019, originally called the Brexit Party.

They were formed to campaign for a full withdrawal of the UK from the European Union (known then as a “No Deal Brexit”). For much its early history, it’s served as a vehicle for Nigel Farage – the dominant figure on the populist right-wing of UK politics.

Reform UK didn’t enjoy any significant electoral success until the 2024 UK General Election, where they secured 14.3% of the vote, but only elected a handful of MPs due to the first-past-the-post electoral system.

The success of its spiritual ancestor, UKIP, in the 2016 Senedd election aside, Reform UK had to wait until 2026 to make a significant breakthrough in Welsh politics.

After a drip-drip of local council by-election wins, and a second-place finish in the 2025 Caerphilly by-election, the new wholly-proportional voting system rewarded Reform with 34 seats, making them the largest opposition party in the Senedd.

Reform UK is a populist right-wing, British and English nationalist party. Some of their supporters and policies may be considered far-right. They are strongly anti-immigration and, having originally been founded to support the Brexit process, are anti-EU.

Reform has built a base amongst disgruntled supporters of other parties (particularly the Conservatives and some white working-class Labour supporters), promising radical change.

Aside from their opposition to both immigration and liberal social reforms (such as gender self-ID), Reform has favoured tax cuts, cuts to what they consider to be “wasteful spending” (much like the Conservatives), and is sceptical of both renewable energy and climate change.

At their core, they aim to “anger the right people” (what Americans call “owning the libs”), using populist political tactics like “never apologise, never explain” and DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim & Offender).

Unlike other political parties, Reform UK are a limited company (Ltd).

There is no official separate Welsh branch of Reform UK, though in practice the Senedd group acts as a Welsh branch, with the Leader of the Senedd group holding the courtesey title of “Leader of Reform UK Wales”.

Reform UK is run by an 8-member Board, which ultimately makes policy and administrative decisions. 3 members are elected by the wider membership, with the remaining members consisting of the UK party leader and their appointees (including the party Chair). Board members serve two-year terms, but these terms can be extended indefinitely by the leader.

Reform UK maintains a list of approved candidates. Prospective candidates for parliamentary seats have to pay a fee of £250 to the party to be considered for the list. They must also pass an assessment centre and interview panel. However, the UK party leader has the power to personally appoint a candidate for by-elections.

Reform UK opposes further devolution to Wales. At least one of their sitting MSs is a former member of the Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party, though the party doesn’t officially support abolishing devolution.

Reform UK opposes Welsh independence.