Reform UK Conference: The Politics of Spectacle and Grievance

By Troy Aharonian, Associate Director, Energy & Innovation

Having attended many political party conferences in a range of countries and across the political spectrum, I can confidently say the 2026 Reform UK Conference was unique. At times, it felt less like a conventional party conference, and more like a rock concert, complete with spectacle, merchandise, grievance, and a clear star of the show.

Underneath the slogans and core issues many will be familiar with, there was a lot to take away on the party’s politics, albeit not much on detailed policy positions.

Here are my top four reflections from Reform UK:

Tearing down Net Zero is a core pillar of Reform

Opposition to Net Zero was one of Reform’s three signature issues alongside opposition to immigration and the establishment. Richard Tice, Suella Braverman and others rallied against Net Zero claiming it is the primary driver of high energy bills. Other than being pro-nuclear and pro-oil and gas, Reform UK’s approach to energy is to dismantle most other existing energy policy frameworks. During his keynote, Tice promised that a Reform government would reduce average household bills by £250 within its first 100 days and said he would resign if it did not, arguing that the UK “Can’t be a rich nation without cheap energy.” Most if not all political parties in the UK would agree with Tice’s diagnosis of high energy costs, let alone industry, NGOs and think tanks. The issue is that Reform didn’t put forward any credible arguments or policies that can solve that real problem beyond sloganeering.

The conference’s approach to climate was equally revealing. In one of the more outlandish things said, Richard Tice encouraged the crowd to “enjoy the heat” referring to this summer’s heatwave and celebrated the fact that English wine and sparkling sales have increased this year. Appealing to the base, there are major questions around whether energy and climate-related statements like these will resonate with the wider public.

A party campaigning against the state

Another consistent message was that Britain is “broken” and is being held back by its own governing system and “the establishment”. A high-profile Reform MP criticised the “emasculation of ministers” and a civil service which, in Reform’s telling, rewards inefficiency and frustrates democratic mandates.

In a rather Trumpian overtone, Nigel Farage warned that those in the civil service and wider establishment who obstruct a Reform government would be removed or replaced by those from the “business community”. This was during the keynote but forceful rhetoric to take on the institutions that shape and deliver government policy was present throughout the conference. Like energy policy, few details were shared on Reform’s practical plan to make the machinery of government work better.

Welcome to Nigel’s party

Reform may be developing a wider cast of senior figures, but this remains overwhelmingly Nigel Farage’s party. Despite Tice’s own take on the Farage schtick, Farage was the bona fide frontman. He is an unusually effective communicator and has a direct connection with supporters that few British politicians can match.

This also presents a challenge. Elections are won on leadership, but governments require a credible team, institutional depth and an ability to persuade voters beyond the core base. To illustrate this invincibility, no Reform members seemed to care about the serious and credible allegations around Reform UK’s finances including the Channel 4 story that had just broken that morning. But will the British public care?

The power of the spectacle

For all its contradictions, Reform knows how to put on an event, and they are clearly well-funded, albeit potentially from dubious sources.

Other UK parties should take note. Politics is not only about policy documents and panel discussions but about creating a sense of belonging, momentum and belief. Reform has understood that instinctively, and Andy Burnham seems to recognise that. While the PM may, other parties may want to see how they can make their own conferences more energetic and fun while keeping the professionalism that Reform often lacked.

Want to understand what the shifting political landscape means for the energy sector? Get in touch with our Energy & Innovation team.