Join us for this spotlight session where we will reflect on what’s currently known about Reform UK’s policy positions and priorities to date, and what this might mean for VODG members.
Over the past few months there's been an increased level of interest in Reform UK, following heightened media interest and electoral success in some areas.
The 2025 Local Elections resulted in Reform UK taking control of 10 councils and winning two Mayors. With Reform consistently ahead in the opinion polls, current expectation is that the local elections in May 2026 could see them win more councillors and take control of more councils. The Welsh Senedd and Scottish Parliament elections are also taking place in May 2026 and are expected to be good for Reform.
Nathan Emmerich and Hannah Lazell from SW One Communications will share their insights on Reform, including their policies relating to disability, social security and social care, and what has happened so far in Reform run councils.
If you have any questions you would like to be considered in advance of the meeting, please submit these 31 October.
Please note, should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. Closed captions are used as a standard in online meetings. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Founder, SW One Communications
Nathan Emmerich is a strategic communications expert with more than 10 years’ experience advising CEOs, politicians and senior leaders to embed communication functions across their organisations to affect change. As an advisor to Figen Murray OBE, and a breadth of experience working on national security communications for the UK Home Office, Counter Terrorism Policing, Survivors Against Terror, and the Counter Extremism Project, Nathan used his experiences implementing strategies and communications to strengthen the Martyn's Law, which was enshrined in UK law in April 2025.
Political & Corporate Strategy Advisor, SW One Communications
Hannah Lazell has over 16 years of extensive experience across Parliament, local government, and public affairs, previously working for Shabana Mahmood MP and Harriet Harman MP. This was followed by working as a Political and Legislative Advisor for the Labour front bench in the House of Lords, and then a Political Advisor within the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Labour Group, collaborating closely with councillors and council leaders to support their roles. During this time, she played a pivotal role in positioning local government at the core of the Labour Party’s policy development leading up to the General Election.
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