I launched Reform Watch because I’ve seen what happens when movements like Reform UK are allowed to expand without challenge.
Across Europe and beyond [most notably in the USA], we’ve witnessed populist parties rise by distorting the truth, attacking democratic safeguards, and presenting themselves as the sole voice of “ordinary people”. What begins as anti-establishment posturing often ends in the erosion of the very structures that underpin accountability and public trust. Britain is now facing that same pattern, and we must act before it becomes entrenched.
In May, Reform UK secured 677 council seats and took control of ten local authorities. Despite having fewer MPs than Plaid Cymru, they now dominate political discourse and are projected to win over 300 parliamentary seats. Their narrative is simple and polished, but their impact on governance is already proving deeply disruptive.
Reform claim to represent the people, yet their actions undermine the communities they profess to champion. They’ve put inexperienced councillors in charge of vital decisions, slashed services for vulnerable residents, and cloaked mismanagement in culture war rhetoric. What they lack in policy substance, they compensate for with provocation and spectacle.
Nowhere has this been more apparent than in Kent, where Reform took control of the county council. Within weeks, they cancelled a third of all scheduled meetings, including crucial audit and governance sessions. They introduced a Musk-inspired “Doge” team, with sweeping powers to investigate council spending. Staff were reportedly warned they could face gross misconduct charges if they failed to cooperate. Local Labour councillors described the atmosphere as threatening and disgraceful. This is not reform, it is deliberate destabilisation.
That’s why I created Reform Watch.
This is not a commentary site or a passion project. It is a dedicated, purpose-built platform designed to track, scrutinise and expose the activities of Reform UK, both nationally and locally. Behind the scenes, we’ve developed an internal infrastructure that allows us to verify citizen-submitted tips, monitor developments across councils, and publish regular, evidence-led briefings. We’ve built a public-facing database to document what is happening and where, ensuring that no one can claim they weren’t warned.
We officially launch on Monday 30 June, but our work is already under way. Hundreds of people have signed up to contribute, some by sharing what’s happening in their area, others by assisting with fact-checking and research. All are united by a belief that the truth must be visible, and that democratic scrutiny should not be optional.
Reform Watch is fully independent. We do not accept money from political parties or corporate donors. Every line of code and every investigation has been powered by volunteers and small contributions from people who understand what is at stake. But if we are to reach more communities, uncover more misconduct and run impactful public campaigns, we need further support.
Your donation helps us scale our operations, verify reports more quickly, and ensure that what happens under Reform’s watch does not go unnoticed. With the right resources, we can ensure that facts reach the people who need them, before election leaflets hit their doormats.
👉 Donate now: Crowdfunder
👉 Sign up for launch alerts: ReformWatch.org
This isn’t a temporary campaign. It is a long-term investment in public accountability. Reform UK are not going to regulate themselves, and if left unchecked, their reach, and their damage, will only grow.
We’ve made this mistake before. This time, we’re building the infrastructure to stop it.
Because you can’t vote out what you never knew was happening. We’re here to help make sure you do.
