As the Reform Party Conference begins at the Birmingham NEC, our Head of Content Nathaneal Amos-Sansam spoke with Gawain Towler, Reform Party board member and its former Director of Communications, for Dods Political Intelligence on the party’s mood going into the conference and what PR professionals should expect when attending.
Nathaneal Amos-Sansam: What number Reform Party conference this this for you?
Gawain Towler: I have been to about 34 Conferences of the Tribe, Reform, Brexit Party and in the dim distant past, UKIP.
Nathaneal Amos-Sansam: Why should public affairs professionals and stakeholders attend the Reform conference this year?
Gawain Towler: Because it would be grossly negligent to their clients and stakeholders not to be there. Like it or not Reform UK are likely, increasingly likely to be the next Government of the UK. Any public affairs professional that is queasy about this might not be in the right game. It is imperative both for Reform and for industry to engage.
Nathaneal Amos-Sansam: How would you characterise the mood among Reform activists going into this conference?
Gawain Towler: Happy but determined, we are acutely aware of the responsibility on our shoulders as the most likely next party of Government. The last year has shown us what happens when you get into office with no idea what you want to do with it.
Nathaneal Amos-Sansam: What makes a great conference speech?
Gawain Towler: Humour, passion, seriousness and in most cases brevity.
Nathaneal Amos-Sansam: What makes a great fringe event?
Gawain Towler: Up until now there haven’t really been any. But decent speakers (me for example), decent snackery and drinkery, and of course tote bags.
Nathaneal Amos-Sansam: Which part of this year’s conference are you most looking forward to?
Gawain Towler: Saturday morning, it will suggest I have survived 4 panels, and other stuff the day before.
Our latest research
Social media has become an integral part of everyday life for both adults and children. Modern day platforms offer many benefits including entertainment and connectivity with friends and families, which is posi…
This example document demonstrates the core features of a Dods Research State of Play Report. Dods Research is designed to provide tailored reports to support your public affairs and policy strategy. These repo…
Ahead of this year’s Reform UK Party Conference, Dods Content Manager Nathaneal Amos-Sansam spoke with Gawain Towler to gauge the party’s mood and hear about what those attending the conference should look …
Regionally focused and seeking to “crowd in” private investment, Public Finance Institutions (PuFins) and Andy Burnham’s vision for Britain appear a perfect pair. The Prime Minister has committed himself,…
Climate and Energy 2026 has seen the UK experience a sustained increase in the cost of energy, driven by oil and gas supply constraints because of the US-Iran conflict. At the same time, the UK has experienced …
The Burnham government has introduced a significant shake-up of the UK’s technology policy landscape. On one hand, the creation of a dedicated Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence – Kanishka Na…
Background Yvette Cooper has served continuously as an MP since 1997 representing Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley. She was appointed as the new Health Secretary by Andy Burnhman on 20 July 2026 during th…
One of the most significant trends in UK Defence, and within the Ministry of Defence in particular, has been learning the lessons from Ukraine. Ukraine’s new Commander-in-Chief, Major General Mykhailo Dra…
Angela Rayner has been reappointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirming her return to government on 20 July 2026. She previously held the…
