Reform UK bans three journalists who have investigated party from its conference
Summary
Reform UK initially banned three journalists from its 2026 annual conference, citing reasons like their media status. After some confusion and reinstatement emails, the party confirmed the journalists would not be allowed to attend. The bans sparked criticism, as these reporters had previously investigated the party and its leader, Nigel Farage, including scrutiny over an undeclared large donation.Key Facts
- Reform UK banned Anna Isaac (The Guardian), Peter Geoghegan (investigative reporter), and Michael Crick (broadcaster and biographer) from its conference.
- The conference was set to take place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in 2026.
- The party called the event “the most talked about event of 2026” and hopes to reset its image after a controversial summer.
- The controversy involved Nigel Farage receiving an undeclared £5 million donation from Christopher Harborne before the 2024 election.
- After initial bans, all three journalists received emails saying their passes were reinstated, but later the party said this was a mistake and the exclusions stood.
- Reform UK claimed Geoghegan and Crick were not accredited because they were minor media figures and gave no reason for Isaac’s ban.
- Farage faced public and political fallout from the donation story, including resigning and then winning back his parliamentary seat in a by-election.
- The party spokeswoman said about 950 out of 1,000 media applications were accepted and that Isaac could watch the conference online.
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