Reform UK launches national newspaper The Reformer with Farage on front page
The free paper, sent to 15 million homes, puts Nigel Farage on the front page as Reform UK builds what it calls a 'national publishing operation'.
At a glance
- Reform UK has launched The Reformer, a free newspaper it says has been sent to 15 million people across Britain.
- Nigel Farage is the only person credited as a reporter in the first edition, which features him on the front page.
- The party says it is building a seven-day digital newsroom and has advertised 12 journalism jobs.
Reform UK has launched what the party describes as a newspaper, The Reformer, with large pictures of its leader, Nigel Farage, on the front page and the stated aim of replacing mainstream media for its supporters.
The free publication has been sent to 15 million people across Britain, according to the party, and copies are kept behind the reception desk at Reform's Millbank Tower headquarters in London, available on request.
Although Reform is hiring qualified journalists, the only person credited as a reporter in the first edition is Farage. Political parties often distribute newspaper-style pamphlets locally at election time, but a national, year-round paper is unusual.
'We will fix broken Britain'
The front-page story carries a photograph of Farage smiling alongside a labrador under the headline "Nigel Farage: we will fix broken Britain". In his first column, Farage writes that supporters have "had enough of what we say and do being distorted by the media", adding: "So instead, we want to talk to you directly, and make sure that you get our message straight from the Reformer."
Other articles include one headlined "Clacton result: Farage 22,239, Establishment 0." That refers to the Clacton byelection Farage called after resigning his Essex seat following revelations about an undeclared £5m gift from the crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, first reported by the Guardian. Other main parties did not stand, leaving Count Binface as Farage's main opponent.
A separate piece promotes Reform's plan to use the Royal Navy to return migrants who cross the Channel in small boats, under the name Operation Fortress. Military experts have criticised the idea, saying the navy should not be used as a ferry service. The edition also carries a tribute to Ann Widdecombe, the Reform politician killed in her home in July, and a piece in which Farage vows to declare a national emergency if he becomes prime minister. Local Reform politicians' work on potholes and litter also features.
Publishing ambitions
Reform insiders described the first edition as "rushed" and said later issues, planned monthly, would carry more news and features. Twelve journalism roles are advertised, including executive editor, website editor and multimedia reporters. A job advert says Reform is building a seven-day digital newsroom and wants reporters who can produce original stories rather than rewriting material already available elsewhere.
The paper is reportedly being led by Mick Hume, founder and former editor of the online libertarian-right magazine Spiked. Printweek reported that it is printed by Walstead Group, which also holds contracts with titles including the Sunday Times and Sun on Sunday.
Reform sources said they expect the paper to increase party membership; a cut-out form offers new joiners a free mug and badge, and readers are urged to sign up as Reform candidates for the May 2027 local elections.
Source: The Guardian Business.
Questions and answers
- What is The Reformer?
- It is a free newspaper launched by Reform UK that carries large pictures of Nigel Farage and which the party says has been sent to 15 million people across Britain. It is part of Reform's plan to build a national publishing operation.
- Who is leading The Reformer?
- The paper is reportedly being led by Mick Hume, founder and former editor of the online libertarian-right politics magazine Spiked. Reform says roles including executive editor, website editor and multimedia reporters are still open.
- What is Reform UK's Operation Fortress plan?
- A piece in the paper says a Reform UK government would order the Royal Navy to stop small boats crossing the Channel and return migrants to France, under the name Operation Fortress. Military experts have criticised the plan.
