Since the last general election, when they were the third largest party in terms of vote share, Reform UK have had a significant impact on UK politics, in terms of how they have influenced public debate and the way other parties have responded to them.  They have consistently been leading opinion polls over the last year, and in the local elections they have secured control of 10 councils and 2 Mayoralties, having secured more votes than any other party across England in the 2025 English local elections. Should these trends continue, Reform could form the government after the next general election.  In this context, the programme offered scrutiny of Reform’s policies, structures and approach to politics to consider if the success they have experienced so far could translate to the reality of governing.  As Laura Kuenssberg made clear at the start of the programme, if we weren't trying to understand what was behind Reform’s political progress in recent months, we wouldn't be doing our job. 

We followed the party during a period when they were coming under increased scrutiny. In the making of this documentary, Laura Kuenssberg offered contextualising analysis based on her deep specialist knowledge of UK politics, and spoke to a number of prominent members of Reform, including a series of interviews with their leader Nigel Farage, asking them to address criticism made against them and what their political opponents highlight as their weaknesses.

We assessed how Reform have performed in the county councils that they run, detailing how they have implemented policies and analysing if they have been able to achieve the promises they made when campaigning. We also examined their approach to communications and organisation.  In doing this, we reflected the actions of some party members and candidates that have provoked controversy, including allegations made against Nigel Farage that he was responsible for racist abuse towards other pupils when he was a student at Dulwich College.

The upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election isn’t relevant to this documentary as we don’t mention either the constituency or any of the candidates.

We report on all political parties fairly and with due impartiality; our approach to this programme was in line with this, offering appropriate and proportionate scrutiny of Reform, so that our audience can make up their own minds as to whether Reform could form a credible government and if they are ready to be the ruling party at Westminster.