Reform UK was originally called the Brexit Party but these days Brexit only gets a few mentions.
The big themes include opposition to net-zero policies, support for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, the economy and the possible postponement of local elections in May.
More than half of the county councils due to have elections could ask ministers to delay the ballots, following a major shake-up of local government.
Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said it would be “ludicrous” to hold elections for councils that were due to be reorganised.
However, the subject has infuriated Reform UK members, many of whom hope the May elections could see the party make electoral gains.
Blogger Liza Martin-Pope says it is why she decided to attend the conference this evening adding: “I’m missing my dancing for this.”
She argues that the potential delays amount to “removing access to local democracy for local people.”
“These authorities are running scared.”
Eve Wilkinson is similarly furious. “It’s disgusting, totally undemocratic, absolutely out of order. It incenses me,” she says.
Caroline Burford-Pugh, her husband Richard and their friends Charlotte and Matthew Lubbe have come to the event together.
They are new members, new to politics and Caroline says she puts the chances of Farage being prime minister after the next election at 10 out of 10.
The party has prospered because of dissatisfaction with the Conservatives and disappointment with the early signs from Labour, says Luke Tryl from the research group More In Common, with ratings up from around 15 to 20%. But a general election is years away.
Whether the party can go from five MPs in 2024 to government remains to be seen, but whatever happens, it’s clear there are party members still enthused by Reform’s offer.
