Reform UK’s Trump-style rally energizes new members

Draped in a giant Union Jack, Nigel Farage received a hero’s welcome upon his arrival at Reform UK’s conference in Birmingham on Friday.

After a brief wave to the crowd, the Reform leader disappeared behind a bus adorned with large red ticks, highlighting three of the party’s main goals: “Slash immigration. Slash the cost of living. Boost wages.”

The atmosphere, complete with rock-and-roll entrance music and “Let’s Make Britain Great” baseball caps, was reminiscent of a Donald Trump rally. The rhetoric echoed familiar themes; former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe declared that the government must “control our borders.” She warned that if it fails to do so, “we will do it the day Nigel Farage enters 10 Downing Street.”

The audience responded enthusiastically, cheering and shouting “shame” at any mention of Labour or Conservative politicians.

With 4,000 activists expected, the conference represents an ambitious undertaking for Reform UK. This marks the party’s first gathering since gaining five MPs in July’s general election, establishing a foothold in Parliament. It’s both a celebration of these new MPs and an opportunity for many new members drawn to the party since Farage returned as leader during the election campaign.

One party source admitted uncertainty about attendance this year. However, the party claims to now have 80,000 members, and many attendees I spoke with indicated they had recently joined.

Lee Frost and his son Kenneth, both from Kent, mentioned they signed up just last week. Lee expressed disappointment with the Conservative government, stating, “I voted for them several times. I’d rather give Reform a chance. Immigration is only going to get worse.”

Anita Tolgyesi Stanley shared that she joined a few weeks ago out of frustration with local politics in Wolverhampton, wanting to get involved and make a difference. She is considering running for council in next year’s local elections and attended to explore available training.

While this is just a snapshot of the new Reform UK membership, it offers insight into the party’s appeal as it aims to professionalize and build a dedicated activist base.

Reform UK will seek to encourage even more people to pay its £25 membership fee to compete with its political rivals and expand its electoral presence. The journey begins here in Birmingham.