Reform UK Launches Its Own Newspaper With Farage on the Front

Reform UK has launched a newspaper called the Reformer. The first edition carries large pictures of Nigel Farage, and the party hopes it will replace mainstream media for its supporters.

Farage is the only "reporter" credited with writing articles, although the party is hiring qualified journalists. Parties often print pamphlets styled as newspapers in local areas at election time. A national paper published year-round is unusual.

In his first column Farage writes that the party has "had enough of what we say and do being distorted by the media" and wants to "talk to you directly". The front page shows him smiling beside a labrador, under the headline "Nigel Farage: we will fix broken Britain".

What is inside

One story reads "Clacton result: Farage 22,239, Establishment 0". It refers to the byelection Farage called after resigning his Essex seat over an undeclared £5m gift from the crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The other main parties did not stand, so his main opponent was Count Binface.

Another piece sets out a plan to use the Royal Navy to turn back small boats crossing the Channel. It describes "Operation Fortress" under a Reform government and says "not one will make it to Britain". Military experts have criticised the plan, arguing the navy should not act as a ferry service.

Elsewhere there is a short tribute to Ann Widdecombe, a second Farage piece in which he vows to declare a national emergency if he becomes prime minister, and updates on local Reform politicians filling potholes and picking up litter.

How it is made

Reform insiders described the first edition as "rushed" and said more news and features will follow in monthly editions. The party says copies have gone to 15 million people. Printweek reported that the printer is Walstead Group, which also handles several leading national titles. The paper is reportedly led by Mick Hume, founder and former editor of Spiked.

Twelve journalist jobs, including executive editor, website editor and multimedia reporters, are advertised. The party is also building a seven-day digital newsroom at its Westminster headquarters. Applicants are told to bring original stories rather than relying solely on rewriting material published elsewhere.

Readers are urged to sign up as candidates for the May 2027 local elections. New members who use the cut-out form receive a free mug and badge.

Source: The Guardian