UPDATE FROM THE FRONTLINES

Across the London branches, the last few weeks have been a real mix of doorsteps, diaries, and donations - and the momentum is building steadily.

Teams have kept up a steady pace of leafleting and door-knocking, with several branches running targeted action days to speak with voters about the issues they’re raising most often: the cost of living, fixing local services, and getting a fair deal for their area. 

Candidate recruitment is also moving well. Branches have been holding campaign sessions with experienced campaigners, encouraging members to consider standing for their local borough. 

Several branches are reporting first-time candidates stepping forward after buddying up with family members and friends who have already taken the leap.

Candidate selections are now taking place. Don't leave it to somebody else, apply now to become a candidate before it's too late. 

Fundraising has matched the energy on the ground. From quiz nights and raffles to Christmas dinners, branches are seeing more people willing to chip in when they understand what their contribution helps deliver: printed materials and the tools that keep campaigning consistent week to week. 

UPDATE FROM THE LONDON ASSEMBLY

Alex Wilson, London Assembly Member

In my last update I mentioned how pleased I was to have welcomed Keith Prince to Reform – partly because of the knowledge and experience he brings, and partly because it means we are now a formal Group on the Assembly.

This is a real game changer for how we can operate and influence debates and discussions. Last week I took part, for the first time, in meetings of the Budget & Performance Committee and Police & Crime Committee, where I challenged senior members of Khan’s administration over their plans for next year’s spending plans.

On Thursday we had Mayor’s Question Time, our regular head-to-head with Sadiq. As usual, he tried to dodge responsibility for London’s problems, but rest assured, both Keith and I will keep pressing and holding him to account!

The Assembly also debated several motions, and we voted: to support recognition for long service for PCSOs, to condemn the Labour government’s catastrophic mismanagement of the economy, to demand better scrutiny of the Met Police, and to take tougher action against knife crime. At the next meeting we’re aiming to table some motions of our own, let’s see if the other parties will lend us their support…

Cllr Mark Shooter, Barnet

Our momentum in Barnet is building fast. Over the weekend, Reform UK teams were out campaigning in six of our target wards, and the response from residents has been stronger than ever. Every week, more people tell us they’re ready for real change — and ready to vote Reform next May.

We’re also proud to welcome an outstanding group of new candidates. This includes a retired senior Immigration Officer who served at Heathrow and Luton Airports, saw first-hand the failures under both Labour and the Conservatives, and is now stepping forward to help fix the system and deliver safer, fairer communities in Barnet.

Cllr Alan Cook, Bromley

The very real and looming threat to Bromley Borough's green belt from Sadiq Khan and the Labour Government has galvanised many locals to seek answers and protection from other political parties. This should bode well for Reform UK in the upcoming May elections.

With the local Tory party still posing as Liberal Democrats, people are seeking out Reform as their only option for a political home. This has given us a platform to increase interest in membership and to help many angry and disgruntled local residents.

The public consultation in Biggin Hill saw over 200 people protesting outside against the proposed development, a clear demonstration of strong opposition.

Our two excellent, potential council candidates for Biggin Hill will be announced this weekend.