Independent Thinking: In UK politics is Reform now the party to beat?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer devoted his party conference speech to challenging Nigel Farage. Experts assess the impact of Reform’s rise on British politics.

Audio

Published 3 October 2025 — 30 minute listen

It’s party conference season in Britain. Both ruling Labour and opposition Conservatives are nervous about the rise of Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK, successor to the Brexit Party. Pollster Joe Twyman and Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of Chatham House’s UK in the World Programme, join host Bronwen Maddox for this week’s podcast.

About Independent Thinking

Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists, and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.

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