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.