Like it or not, Reform UK is gathering momentum – publicly and privately – every day.
This past weekend, I attended Reform UK’s two-day conference at the NEC in my home city of Birmingham. The reaction to my attendance? Swift and polarised. One LinkedIn connection commented: “Oh, Dhiren?? x”, while another scoffed, “Urgh, I hope you washed your hands, he’s (Farage) a disgusting human being.”
Let me be clear from the outset: I remain impartial.
So why did I go?
Because I believe in being where the story is. I consider myself a voice for the voiceless – the law-abiding, the honest, and those whose integrity often comes at a cost. Ignoring uncomfortable political realities – however controversial – would neither be fair nor wise.
And the reality is this: much of what Reform UK says resonates with people – even if they won’t admit it publicly. There’s a fear factor, a stigma around being seen to support the party. But if Nigel Farage comes to power, I predict many of today’s critics will become tomorrow’s friends. It’s human nature. I’ve seen it before with other political parties.
For me, attending wasn’t an endorsement – it was about listening, learning and reporting. That’s my job.
Registration chaos
I had registered for the conference weeks earlier and received a personal acknowledgement. However, no ticket or barcode ever arrived. Still, I showed up on Friday.
The registration process was utter chaos. I stood in a long queue and noticed. As someone from an ethnic minority background, I was clearly in the minority. When I reached the front, I spoke to Ben Webster. It quickly became clear that media access hadn’t been planned properly. A phone call was made.
Ten minutes later, George Pykov, the political press officer, arrived. He swiftly signed in Ellie and Jeff – other journalists – and even fast-tracked another. When it came to me, however, things changed.
He questioned my media credentials and even the authenticity of my photos on Google. It felt as though he was looking for any excuse to deny entry. Fortunately, thanks to some professional connections, I was eventually allowed in.
As I stepped into the main hall, Nigel Farage arrived. Cameras flashed, security guards formed a human chain, and the media frenzy began. He was quickly ushered into a private room. Whether you like him or loathe him, Farage’s presence has become politically magnetic.
Was I uncomfortable? Yes. Intimidated? A little. But that’s part of the job.
Conversations Inside
Once inside, I connected with regional Reform UK representatives – Kevin, Sarah, Helen, and Edward. I shared my experience with George Pykov. They didn’t know who he was and apologised for the way I was treated. They were warm, responsive and helpful – a stark contrast to the gatekeeping I’d experienced at the door.
And this is the nuance that’s often lost: not everyone associated with a controversial movement fits the media caricature.
Broken political system
Let’s be honest: our country is in a mess. I’ve never seen British politics so shallow, so bitterly tribal, so disconnected from the real lives of ordinary people.
Take the recent Labour Party reshuffle. One minister, sacked without warning, reportedly told colleagues, “I’m going to f** him up,” referring to Keir Starmer. That anger is not isolated. Across Labour’s ranks, frustration is boiling over – triggered by Angela Rayner’s resignation and yet another failed relaunch.
Starmer is now in a vulnerable position, one that certain sections of our society have long hoped for – and some, quite clearly, planned for.
Even in the West Midlands, local perceptions are shifting. The current Mayor is seen by many as a puppet – a far cry from his predecessor, Andy Street, whom I caught up with over the weekend.
Final thoughts
As a British citizen by birth and a proud British Indian, I’m genuinely concerned for our ordinary, hard-working, law-abiding citizens.
When political coverage becomes echo-chambered and selective, when journalists are turned away based on vague pretexts, and when citizens are too afraid to admit what they really think – we have a deeper problem on our hands.
I didn’t attend the Reform UK conference because I support them.
I went because I refuse to turn a blind eye to political reality.
Whether you agree with me or not, I’ll continue doing what I’ve always done: listening, learning and reporting – with integrity.
So let me end by asking:
Are you also concerned about where we’re heading?
