Reform Scotland, the independent think tank, held a discussion about the rise of the political party Reform UK on Friday 9 May 2025.
After its success in recent English local elections, Reform UK is flying high. Polls show it could be on course to break the two-party stranglehold long held at Westminster by Labour and the Conservatives. Its next major test will be next year’s elections to the devolved parliaments in Scotland and Wales, when it is expected to make a significant breakthrough.
What is the ceiling for Nigel Farage’s insurgent party? What does it stand for? And why is it proving so attractive to so many voters north and south of the border?
These issues were considered by the panel including:
Rob Ford, Professor of Political Science at the University of Manchester
Ailsa Henderson, Professor of Political Science at the University of Edinburgh
Mark Diffley, head of polling company the Diffley Partnership.
The conversation was be chaired by Chris Deerin, Director of Reform Scotland.
Watch back the discussion here: