By Fatma Younis
Reform UK has launched a national newspaper called The Reformer, featuring party leader Nigel Farage on the front page, as part of its ambition to build a "significant national publishing operation" alongside its YouTube TV channel.
First edition content
The inaugural edition includes a column by Farage criticizing mainstream media distortion, a front-page photograph of Farage with a labrador under the headline "Nigel Farage: we will fix broken Britain," and an article on the Clacton by-election triggered by Farage's resignation after revelations of an undeclared £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Other pieces promote a plan to use the Royal Navy to return Channel migrants to France, a tribute to Reform politician Ann Widdecombe, and updates on local councillors filling potholes and picking up litter.
Publishing ambitions
The party says the free paper has been sent to 15 million households and is available at its Westminster office. It is printed by Walstead Group, which also prints the Sunday Times and Sun on Sunday, and is led by Mick Hume, founder of the libertarian-right magazine Spiked. Reform UK is advertising 12 journalist roles, including executive editor and multimedia reporters, to staff a seven-day digital newsroom.
Criticism and distribution
Military experts have criticized the proposal to deploy the Royal Navy as a ferry service for migrant returns. The newspaper also includes a cut-out membership form offering a free mug and badge, and urges readers to stand as Reform candidates in the May 2027 local elections. Party insiders describe the first edition as "rushed" and promise more news and features in future monthly issues.
