The Bunker – News without the nonsense Cranks, corporations and crap karaoke – Inside Reform UK’s bizarre conference
Sep 9, 2025
Matthew Holehouse, British politics correspondent for The Economist, shares his firsthand experience from Reform UK's bizarre conference. He discusses the party's controversial figures and their surprising political rise, especially Nigel Farage's growing influence. The conversation covers the ideological rifts within parties and the strategic challenges they face amidst public discontent. Holehouse highlights how emerging parties are reshaping political discourse, forcing traditional parties to rethink their approaches as the political landscape evolves.
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Three Ages Collide At Reform Conference
- The Reform conference mixed three eras: UKIP eccentricity, Trump-style rallying, and a corporate fringe aiming to look government-ready.
- That uneasy blend highlighted both energy and visible weaknesses in their readiness for power.
Rallies Felt Like Stadium Spectacles
- Earlier rallies felt like Donald Trump stadium events with thunderous music and huge crowds of 8–10,000.
- Matthew Holhouse describes the atmosphere as spectacle rather than a standard political conference.
Summer Vacuum Fueled Reform's Media Surge
- Reform used a quiet political summer to dominate headlines with regular press events and announcements.
- Matthew Holhouse says they filled a communications vacuum left by a subdued government and opposition.