“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.” That is how Nigel Farage opens the inaugural edition of a new, eight-page tabloid newspaper launched by Reform UK to reach voters across Britain.
The party has distributed its free publication, titled The Reformer, to homes nationwide while simultaneously making copies available upon request behind the reception desk at its Westminster office in Millbank Tower. According to Reform UK sources, the first issue has reached 15 million households. Printweek reported that the paper was printed by Walstead Group, a company that holds contracts with several major national newspaper and magazine publishers including the Sunday Times and Sun on Sunday.
Inside the First Edition of The Reformer
The tabloid’s front page features a photograph of Farage smiling with a labrador alongside the headline “Nigel Farage: we will fix broken Britain.” Additional coverage inside highlights the results of the Clacton byelection, where the headline reads “Clacton result: Farage 22,239, Establishment 0.” The byelection followed Farage’s resignation of his Essex seat after revelations regarding an undeclared £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, which was initially reported by the Guardian over the summer. With other major parties declining to contest the race, Farage’s primary opponent on the ballot was Count Binface.
Other articles detail policy proposals and local government updates. One piece outlines a plan titled Operation Fortress, stating that a future Reform UK government would order the Royal Navy to stop small boat crossings in the English Channel and return migrants directly to France. Military experts have criticized this proposal, arguing that the navy should not be utilized as a ferry service. Additional features include reports on local Reform UK politicians dealing with road repairs and rubbish collection, a tribute to its spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, and a piece promoting the party’s plan regarding migrants crossing the English Channel.
Did You Know? Mick Hume, the former editor of Spiked and launch editor of Living Marxism in 1988, is reportedly leading the new publication. Hume has previously worked in communications for both Reform UK and Farage’s now-defunct Brexit Party.
Building a National Publishing Operation
While the party is hiring qualified journalists to write for its publications, Farage remains the only credited “reporter” on the articles in this initial edition. Reform insiders described the first issue as rushed, noting that subsequent editions are planned on a monthly basis. The launch forms part of a broader push to establish a seven-day digital newsroom at Westminster, alongside expanded video content hosted on YouTube.
Reform UK launches its own ‘newspaper’ with Farage on front pageParty aims to build a ‘significant national publishing operation’ as first edition of the Reformer is distributedhttps://t.co/DNtR08Xw5n
Job advertisements indicate that the party is currently recruiting for 12 roles, including an executive editor, a website editor, and multimedia reporters and producers. Aaron Lobo, director of operations for Reform UK and former executive producer for Farage at GB News, announced on LinkedIn that the project aims to combine a new studio, a digital newsroom, a centralized social desk, and a data function into a unified team.
Expert Insight: Political parties frequently produce localized, campaign-specific pamphlets styled as newspapers, but launching a national, year-round print and digital publishing operation represents an unusual effort to bypass traditional media channels entirely. By integrating print distribution with recruitment drives and digital broadcasts, the party attempts to convert direct reader engagement into formal membership growth ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Newspaper campaigns urge readers to join local elections
The publication incorporates direct calls to action, urging readers to sign up as party candidates for the local elections scheduled for May 2027. A cut-out coupon inside the newspaper invites readers to join Reform UK in exchange for a free mug and badge. Party sources indicated they expect the widespread household delivery and front-desk availability at their Westminster headquarters to drive up overall membership rates.
Applicants hoping to join the new digital newsroom are expected to produce original scoops rather than merely rewrite existing material. Job listings specify that candidates must be NCTJ-qualified and capable of publishing high-quality content at speed as the party works to turn its website into a significant national publishing outlet.
Nigel Farage writes all articles in the first edition
Who is credited as a reporter in the first issue of The Reformer?
Although Reform UK is hiring qualified journalists for its new publishing operation, party leader Nigel Farage is the only “reporter” credited with writing articles in the first edition.
How many households received the first edition of the newspaper?
Reform UK stated that the free tabloid newspaper has been sent to 15 million households across Britain.
What incentives are offered to readers who join the party via the newspaper?
Readers who use the cut-out membership form included in the publication are offered a free mug and badge upon joining.
How might the expansion of party-run media outlets change political communication across the United Kingdom?
Worth a look