I was a first-time political conference attendee. Well, not anymore!
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to attend the Reform UK Conference this year. Before arriving, I honestly did not know what to expect.
My idea of a political conference was based on those televised events from years gone by: lengthy speeches, repetitive messages and rows of people struggling to stay awake. What I experienced could not have been more different.
An electric atmosphere
From the moment I walked into the enormous hall at Birmingham’s NEC, I felt at home.
The venue was vast, probably the size of two football pitches, and filled with exhibitor stands, networking areas, television studios, media zones and plenty of reasonably priced food and coffee.
At the centre of the hall was a second stage, hosted by Jeremy Kyle, where members of Reform UK’s senior team took part in discussions and answered questions through the “People’s Mic”.
This gave ordinary members the opportunity to put their questions directly to the people representing the party nationally. Roving reporters also spoke to members throughout the event, with conversations broadcast across the conference.
The atmosphere was electric from beginning to end. People were friendly, smiling and eager to talk. It was an excellent place to meet like-minded people from across the country, exchange ideas and hear about the work taking place in other branches.
More than anything, it felt like a family coming together to participate in something genuinely important and potentially historic.
A conference designed for members
The conference app helped everyone keep track of the programme. Notifications announced who would be appearing next and highlighted the different fringe events taking place around the venue.
It was a simple but effective feature that made such a large event easier to navigate.
Each Reform UK MP and member of the senior team delivered a relatively short speech, generally lasting no more than 20 minutes. Speakers were introduced through short videos explaining their journey within Reform and the work they had undertaken.
The conference began with a tribute to Ann Widdecombe, which managed to be both entertaining and moving.
A clear message of accountability
I found the speeches uplifting, motivating and, at times, radical. Above all, they were engaging.
Even the contributions from the party’s leaders in Wales and Scotland held the attention of the room. These were certainly not the drawn-out political speeches of the past.
A central theme running through the conference was Reform UK’s proposed first 100 days in government. The leadership set out its priorities and made a strong commitment to being held accountable for delivering them.
One hundred days is only a little over three months. The possibility of meaningful change beginning within that period gave members a real sense of optimism.
The audience responded enthusiastically, with speakers receiving sustained applause and standing ovations.
Meeting the Reform team
I was fortunate to meet several members of Reform UK’s senior team, who were happy to stop, talk and pose for photographs.
The networking areas were equally valuable. Sitting down for a coffee with people from different parts of the country demonstrated how quickly the party’s membership and organisation are growing.
Nigel Farage was understandably surrounded by a substantial security team and was not readily accessible, but he still acknowledged members, waved and said hello as he moved through the venue.
Looking ahead to 2027
Reflecting on the whole experience, I arrived as a complete conference newcomer and left as a committed conference attendee.
If you have the opportunity to attend a future Reform UK Conference, my advice is simple: go.
You will meet welcoming people, hear interesting ideas and return home feeling motivated about what could be achieved—both nationally and in communities such as Hertsmere.
I am already looking forward to the next one.
Bring on Birmingham 2027!
Alex Jacobs
Reform UK Hertsmere Member