Reform UK has launched what it is calling a newspaper, featuring large pictures of Nigel Farage, which the party hopes will replace mainstream media for its supporters. Though the party is hiring qualified journalists to write its newspapers, the only “reporter” credited with writing articles is Farage, the party leader. Political parties often put out pamphlets made to look like newspapers in local areas during elections, but it is unusual for a party to put out a paper nationally, year-round.
The party has said it wishes to build a “significant national publishing operation” as well as its TV channel hosted on YouTube. In his first column for the publication, Farage writes: “We have had enough of what we say and do being distorted by the media. So instead, we want to talk to you directly, and make sure that you get our message straight from the Reformer.” Its front-page story features a photograph of Farage smiling and posing with a labrador, with the headline “Nigel Farage: we will fix broken Britain”.
Other stories include “Clacton result: Farage 22,239, Establishment 0.” This refers to the byelection called by Farage after he resigned his Essex seat following revelations about an undeclared £5m gift from the crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The gift was revealed by the Guardian earlier this summer. The other main parties declined to stand in the ensuing byelection, with the result that Farage’s main opponent was Count Binface.
One piece advertises Reform’s plan to use the Royal Navy to send back migrants who travel across the Channel in small boats. It says: “A Reform UK government will launch Operation Fortress. Prime Minister Nigel Farage will order the Royal Navy to stop the boats and return the illegal immigrants to France.
Not one will make it to Britain.” Military experts have criticised this plan, saying the navy should not be used as a ferry service. Other articles include a short tribute to Ann Widdecombe, the Reform politician who was killed in her home in July, featuring a quote from Farage, and another piece by Farage in which he vows to declare a national emergency should he become prime minister. Other features include updates on local Reform politicians’ progress on filling in potholes and picking up litter.
Reform insiders said the first edition was “rushed” and to expect more news and features in subsequent editions, coming monthly. Roles at the publication are still open, with 12 journalist jobs including executive editor, website editor and multimedia reporters/producers advertised online. Reform sources said they thought the newspapers, being delivered to homes across Britain and available in the lobby of the party’s Westminster office, would drive up membership rates.
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