The Liberal Democrats have launched Reform Watch, a new internal initiative designed to monitor and challenge Nigel Farage’s party in local government.
Party leader Ed Davey explained that both Labour and the Conservatives appear too afraid of Reform to hold it accountable. He insisted that only the Liberal Democrats are ready to confront Reform directly at the local and national levels. Davey said the Lib Dems performed well in the recent local elections, despite Reform outperforming them in a few areas.
In some councils, Reform made gains not by increasing their support but due to a collapse in other parties’ votes. The Lib Dems gained over 160 councillors and took control of three new councils, with strong showings in many regions. They also became the largest party in three other councils and finished second to Reform in four more.
These four regions will form the focus of the new Reform Watch project. The initiative aims to scrutinise Reform-led mayors and councils, especially regarding service cuts and controversial local policies. Amanda Hopgood will lead efforts in County Durham. Antony Hook will monitor Kent. Mike Ross will focus on Hull. Ross recently lost the Hull and East Yorkshire mayoral race to Reform candidate Luke Campbell. Davey warned that families are concerned about Farage’s past comments on special needs and mental health diagnoses.
He argued that the public needs to know whether Reform plans to cut key services, especially for vulnerable groups. One major concern involves culture war politics. Davey criticised Reform for banning Ukraine flags and downplaying climate policies.
He said cutting climate efforts hurts working families by ending home insulation and raising energy bills. The Lib Dems want to offer an alternative vision. Davey described his party as the “antidote to Reform.” He believes Labour and the Conservatives fear Reform’s popularity and avoid challenging its ideas.
Davey said, “We’re taking the fight to them on every front.” He also claimed Reform had no impact where the Lib Dems ran strong campaigns and community outreach. He noted that vote splitting in tight races often distorted results, with winners securing seats on very low shares. Still, he emphasised that Reform remains a serious threat. He promised the Lib Dems will not be complacent. Davey concluded by saying copying Reform is not the answer. Challenging them directly is the only effective strategy.
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