At this year’s local elections, the Reform Party secured outright majorities in 10 local authorities and won two metro mayor contests.

As its local leaders make the transition from opposition to government, what skills will they need to be successful? What are the trade-offs they will have to make? How should they design and deliver policy? And how should they work with the Labour government in Westminster to deliver for voters locally?

Listen to the IfG's fringe event at the Reform UK Party Conference 2025.

Speakers:

Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO, Institute for Government (chair)

Cllr Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council & County Councillor for Maidstone Southeast

Akash Paun, Programme Director (Devolution), Institute for Government

Gawain Towler, Former Head of Press, Reform UK