Reform UK is advising its councillors to do as little as possible in their first 100 days in office – a direct contradiction of Nigel Farage’s national campaign to outline what the party would do if it won an election, reports BritPanorama.
Leaked guidance for Reform UK local government cabinet members indicates they should “resist making major changes” during this initial period, focusing instead on listening and understanding their roles. The document specifically warns councillors: “Don’t rush into big changes.”
The guide, titled Leading Adult Social Care: A Practical Guide for Reform UK Cabinet Members, was authored by Cllr Diane Morton, chair of Reform’s adult social care network and a former cabinet member at Kent County Council. This cautious approach sharply contrasts with Farage’s statements made at the Reform conference in Birmingham in September, where he pledged aggressive reforms and immediate action should the party gain power.
Farage had promised that if elected, he would declare a national emergency, cancel parliamentary recesses, and require Parliament to operate “24 hours a day, six days a week” to implement Reform’s agenda. This inconsistency raises questions about the direction of Reform’s elected representatives versus the sweeping promises made to the electorate.
The leaked guidance underlines a strategy of gradual adaptation, instructing councillors to “resist making major changes before you fully understand the service.” It advocates spending the first 100 days asking informed questions rather than making decisions. Conversely, Farage’s national vision conveys urgency and a strong stance against civil servants who oppose Reform’s agenda.
Furthermore, the document advises councillors to build relationships with local officers and emphasize listening over dictating. It emphasizes that these initial days are pivotal for “building the knowledge, relationships and confidence that will allow you to lead well for the years ahead.”
This cautious strategy seems at odds with Farage’s approach to national governance, where he has threatened to remove dissenting civil servants and promised accountability among ministers, with a detailed list of pledges to be fulfilled within the first 100 days.
The guide, dated August 2026, coincides closely with Farage’s assertive conference speech delivered shortly afterward, suggesting a disconnect within the party regarding the execution of its political objectives. The internal dynamics within Reform UK have come under scrutiny recently, especially following comments from councillors that appeared to endorse a more manipulative electoral strategy.
A Reform UK spokesman stated, “Reform UK has specifically pledged to make fundamental changes to the way this country works in our first 100 days in government. We fully intend on delivering on our promises.” This assuredness reflects their overarching strategy, yet the divergence in approaches could pose challenges as they attempt to align immediate actions with overarching campaign promises.
As the party navigates these contrasting messages, the efficacy of their strategy going forward remains a topic of keen interest for observers and supporters alike.
