Inside the Reform Party Conference: Don’t Miss a Thing From Fiery Speeches to the Best Bars
Birmingham is preparing for a political weekend unlike any other as thousands of Reform UK supporters, activists, politicians, business figures and journalists descend on the National Exhibition Centre for the party’s 2026 national conference.
For Reform UK, this is far more than a routine gathering of party members.
The party wants to demonstrate that it has moved beyond being a protest movement and is now capable of presenting itself as a serious political organisation ready to compete for power across Britain.
The conference runs from Friday September 4 to Saturday September 5, following a dedicated Business Day on Thursday. The NEC is expected to become the centre of Britain’s political conversation as Reform’s leadership attempts to set out its ambitions for the next stage of the party’s development.
And there will be plenty happening away from the main stage too.
From headline speeches and major policy announcements to fringe discussions, business events, late-night political conversations and Birmingham’s famous pub scene, Reform’s conference promises to be as much a social event as a political one.
Nigel Farage Takes Centre Stage
The biggest attraction will inevitably be Nigel Farage.
The Reform UK leader remains the central figure in the party’s national profile, and his speeches are likely to provide some of the most closely watched moments of the conference.
Farage arrives in Birmingham after a turbulent summer.
He has faced renewed scrutiny over an undeclared £5 million gift from donor Christopher Harborne and an ongoing parliamentary standards investigation. Farage has rejected accusations of wrongdoing and has compared the scrutiny he faces to investigations involving Donald Trump, arguing that political outsiders are frequently targeted by established institutions.
His return to Parliament after winning the Clacton by-election has nevertheless strengthened his position within Reform.
The conference therefore represents an opportunity for Farage to change the conversation.
Rather than allowing questions about donations, internal disagreements and polling fluctuations to dominate, he will want supporters to focus on Reform’s political message.
Immigration, taxation, public services, national identity and Britain’s relationship with international institutions are all expected to remain central themes.
A Party Trying to Look Like a Government
Perhaps the most important development at this year’s conference is the attempt to make Reform look increasingly professional.
The party has introduced a dedicated Business Day, with companies including Vodafone, EE, Heathrow and JCB participating in events around the conference. The move reflects Reform’s desire to establish stronger relationships with the business community and demonstrate that its economic agenda extends beyond its traditional political themes.
This is significant.
For years, Reform and its predecessor, the Brexit Party, were primarily associated with political disruption, Brexit and immigration.
Now the party wants voters to believe that it can actually govern.
That means producing detailed policies on taxation, healthcare, education, energy, defence, infrastructure and economic growth.
It also means convincing businesses and investors that Reform’s economic proposals are credible.
The conference is therefore a test of whether the party can make the transition from campaigning to governing.
Zia Yusuf and the New Generation
Another important figure to watch is Zia Yusuf.
The Reform chairman has become one of the party’s most prominent voices and represents an attempt to project a more modern and business-oriented image.
Yusuf has previously been involved in developing Reform’s economic and organisational strategy, and his presence at the conference highlights the party’s effort to build a political machine rather than depend entirely on Farage’s personal popularity.
That transition could ultimately determine Reform’s future.
A successful national political party cannot rely on one charismatic leader forever.
It needs MPs, councillors, policy specialists, campaigners, fundraisers and local organisations.
The Birmingham conference is an opportunity to showcase that wider network.
Jordan Bardella Adds an International Dimension
The conference will also have an international flavour.
Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally, is due to address Reform’s gathering.
His appearance demonstrates the increasingly close relationship between Reform UK and Europe’s nationalist right.
Bardella and Farage have previously discussed immigration and political cooperation, while Reform has increasingly presented itself as part of a wider international movement challenging established political parties and institutions.
His appearance is likely to attract significant attention, particularly in France and across Europe.
For Reform, the message is clear: the party sees itself as part of a broader political realignment.
For critics, however, the presence of a senior National Rally figure will reinforce concerns about Reform’s ideological direction.
Either way, Bardella’s speech is likely to become one of the most discussed moments of the weekend.
The Press Freedom Controversy
The conference has already generated controversy before the main speeches have even begun.
Reform UK has barred several journalists who have previously published critical reporting about the party.
Among those excluded are Guardian journalist Anna Isaac, investigative reporter Peter Geoghegan and broadcaster Michael Crick.
The party has defended the decision, saying that some individuals did not meet its criteria for media accreditation. However, press freedom organisations have criticised the exclusions, arguing that political parties should be open to scrutiny from journalists whose reporting they dislike.
The controversy creates an awkward backdrop for Reform.
The party wants to present itself as an alternative to the political establishment.
But critics will argue that restricting access for critical journalists risks creating precisely the kind of political environment Reform has traditionally criticised.
The issue is therefore likely to remain part of the conference story throughout the weekend.
What Happens Away From the Main Stage?
For conference attendees, politics does not stop when the speeches finish.
Birmingham offers a huge range of pubs, restaurants and bars, and political conferences traditionally generate a busy evening social scene.
After a day of speeches and policy debates, delegates are likely to gather around the city centre to discuss the arguments of the day.
The conference itself also includes fringe events and seminars, giving members opportunities to hear from figures outside the main leadership line-up. Reform’s official conference programme lists a range of sessions taking place inside the NEC.
These smaller events can sometimes be just as revealing as the major speeches.
They provide a chance for activists to challenge the leadership, debate controversial policies and discuss issues that may not receive much attention from the main platform.
For journalists, they can also offer a glimpse into the mood among ordinary members.
Are activists satisfied with the party’s direction?
Do they believe Reform can win a general election?
Are they worried about internal divisions?
And what do they think about the party’s economic plans?
The answers may be more important than the applause received by the leadership.
The Economic Battle
Economic credibility is likely to be one of the most important themes.
Reform has attempted to develop a broader economic programme while retaining its traditional emphasis on reducing taxes and supporting British businesses.
Earlier this year, the party proposed measures aimed at helping pubs and hospitality businesses, including VAT reductions and changes to business rates.
That approach fits into a wider attempt to appeal to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
But the challenge is enormous.
British voters may support lower taxes in principle, but they also expect functioning hospitals, schools, police services, infrastructure and pensions.
Every tax cut therefore raises the question of how the government would pay for it.
That is where Reform’s conference will be closely examined.
The party can no longer simply identify problems.
It needs to demonstrate that its proposed solutions add up.
Immigration Remains the Core Issue
Despite the growing emphasis on business and economics, immigration is likely to remain one of Reform’s strongest political themes.
The party has built much of its support around opposition to high levels of immigration and promises to tighten Britain’s borders.
Reform politicians argue that uncontrolled immigration has placed pressure on housing, public services and wages.
Critics respond that the party has focused too heavily on immigration at the expense of other major issues.
That tension is important.
If Reform wants to become Britain’s governing party, it needs to persuade voters that it has credible answers not only on migration but also on the NHS, the economy, energy security, defence, education and the cost of living.
The conference provides Farage and his colleagues with a platform to attempt exactly that.
The Battle for the Conservative Vote
Another major question hanging over Birmingham is the relationship between Reform and the Conservatives.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is attempting to rebuild her party and compete for voters on the political right.
She has already taken a harder line on issues including defence, welfare and taxation.
That means Reform can no longer assume that Conservative voters will automatically move towards Farage.
Suella Braverman, now associated with Reform, has rejected the idea of a coalition between Reform and the Conservatives, arguing that the Conservatives failed to deliver on immigration during their years in government.
That makes the conference even more significant.
Reform is not simply fighting Labour.
It is fighting for political territory against the Conservatives as well.
A Weekend That Could Define Reform
Ultimately, this conference is about one question:
Can Reform UK become more than Nigel Farage?
The party has achieved remarkable electoral growth, but turning that momentum into national government requires a much more sophisticated political organisation.
It needs credible policies.
It needs experienced candidates.
It needs business confidence.
It needs discipline.
And above all, it needs to convince millions of voters who may agree with some Reform policies but remain uncertain about whether they would trust the party to run the country.
That is why Birmingham matters.
The fiery speeches will make the headlines.
The arguments over immigration and taxation will dominate television.
The controversies will generate political rows.
The bars will fill with activists, journalists and politicians dissecting every announcement.
But beneath all of that is a much bigger test.
Reform UK is trying to prove that it is ready for the next level.
The NEC will provide the stage.
Nigel Farage and his colleagues will provide the speeches.
The members will provide the energy.
And Britain’s voters will ultimately decide whether Reform’s transformation from insurgent movement into potential governing party is convincing.
For anyone following British politics, there is little doubt that Birmingham is the place to watch this weekend.