“This can’t be a job half-done. Democracy isn’t just a soundbite; it’s a commitment that must be fully delivered. Reform UK must now follow through and complete the process properly.“
Nigel Farage reckons he’s handed Reform UK over to the people – but has he really?
The Reform leader took to social media, declaring: “We have democratised our party and implemented our new constitution. Promises made, promises kept.”
But hold your horses, Nigel. Former deputy leader Ben Habib is calling foul – and the facts suggest there’s still a long way to go before Reform can honestly say it’s a fully democratic party.
IS REFORM REALLY REFORMED?
Who actually owns it? Reform UK was previously owned by a company controlled by Farage. That company has now been transferred to a new entity – Reform 2025 Ltd – but guess who’s running the show? Yep, it’s still Farage and chairman Zia Yusuf. While it could be handed over to members, that hasn’t happened yet.
The ‘new’ constitution? It hasn’t even been formally adopted by the new company, and the Electoral Commission still needs to approve it. So, for now, it’s just a document waiting to be put into action.
Not legally official yet. Reform 2025 Ltd has to be registered as the political party with the Electoral Commission. That process is still incomplete. Until then, the new structure is in limbo.
Farage still calling the shots. Even if the new constitution gets the green light, insiders say it’s written in a way that keeps Farage in a virtually unchallengeable position. So, while members might think they’ve got more power, in reality, the boss is still the boss.
No democracy in the branches. Reform UK claims to be a people-powered movement, but its local branches aren’t allowed to hold their own bank accounts and must follow orders from HQ. That’s top-down politics, not grassroots democracy.
ENTER THE GREAT BRITISH PAC – KEEPING THE RIGHT HONEST
Ben Habib isn’t just exposing Reform’s unfinished business – he’s also taking action to make sure all right-wing parties are properly prepared for the next general election.
He is chairing the Great British PAC, a political action committee set up to hold the right to account and make sure they’re battle-ready for 2029. The aim? To unite, organise, and professionalise the political right in the UK, ensuring the parties—whether Reform UK, the Conservatives, or any other on the right—are prepared, democratic and ready to go.
With Labour in government already in a crisis, the right can’t afford to be a shambles. If Reform really wants to be taken seriously as an alternative, it needs to sort itself out – and fast say the group.
Claire Bullivant, CEO of the Great British PAC, said:
“Ben has welcomed Reform UK’s move towards democratisation – and rightly so. It’s a step in the right direction and something he’s been pushing for a long time. But let’s be absolutely clear – this can’t be a job half-done. Democracy isn’t just a soundbite; it’s a commitment that must be fully delivered. Reform UK must now follow through and complete the process properly. When they do, we’ll be the first to congratulate them and celebrate alongside their members.
“For us at the Great British PAC, it’s always Country before party. We proudly support all right-leaning parties that uphold true democracy and put the people first. Our PAC will always stand up for the people – and that means demanding full, transparent democracy. That’s how we unite the right, that’s how we win, and that’s how we take on this disastrous socialist Labour government.”
SORT IT OUT, NIGEL!
Farage is a political heavyweight, no doubt. But if he truly wants Reform UK to be a real force in British politics, he needs to make good on his promises. So come on, Nigel – if you’re serious about democratising Reform, please do it properly!
“It hasn’t even been formally adopted by the new company, and the Electoral Commission still needs to approve it.”
That’s not very clear.
Has it been submitted and we’re waiting for them to approve it – or has it not been submitted?
There’s a big difference between these scenarios. Farage can hardly be criticised if the EC hasn’t done its work yet.
Also, I’m not sure I like the term “democratise” or what it implies. A country can be a democracy, but that doesn’t mean every party within that country must also be a democracy.
The Tories lost control over who their MPs and candidates are, the members have some voting rights but only to vote for the two candidates MPs deign to put to them.
For now, I’d be happy for Farage to continue to have the last word – I dare say there will be a rush of Tories trying to join at some point – and trying to become Reform candidates at the next elections. That must be carefully scrutinised – saying no to those Lib Dem types is essential to avoid another govt that is frozen by internal conflicts – the so-called “broad church” (without a religion).