Fresh off a big win in the local elections, Reform UK isn’t wasting time.
The party, which made major strides across England, is now laying out exactly how it plans to reshape power in the areas it controls—and it’s making some bold promises.
Chairman Zia Yusuf says they’re ready to use “every instrument of power available” to stop asylum seekers from being housed in their new territories.
That means they’re eyeing legal tools like judicial reviews, injunctions, and even planning regulations to block migrant accommodation plans.
Asylum Housing in Their Crosshairs
Reform’s message is loud and clear: they want to challenge where asylum seekers are housed—especially in northern areas where they now hold influence.
Zia Yusuf made it known that their legal teams are already digging into how hotels are being converted to migrant housing, which he claims violates existing rules.
His stance echoes that of party leader Nigel Farage, who called the situation “unfair” and said asylum seekers are being “dumped into the north of England” and “getting everything for free.”
Farage also took a swipe at Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of lacking the courage to fix it.
Still, there’s a catch: the power to manage asylum housing lies with the Home Office, not local councils.
So whether Reform can actually stop this from happening remains unclear.
Tent Talk and Deportation Promises
When asked about controversial comments from newly elected Greater Lincolnshire mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns—who said migrants should be housed in tents like in France—Yusuf didn’t back away.
“That’s what France does,” he said bluntly, adding that a detailed deportation plan would be rolled out soon.
According to Yusuf, the party’s first term in government would see “everyone currently in the country illegally” removed.
DEI and Climate Jobs on the Chopping Block
Another key part of Reform’s plan? Dismantling what they see as unnecessary bureaucracy.
Yusuf says they’re going after diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) roles and climate change staff in councils, promising to slash spending in these areas.
He defended their push in places like Lincolnshire County Council, even though the council doesn’t officially employ anyone with the title “DEI officer.”
According to Yusuf, the money still flows into DEI efforts through different job labels—and Reform intends to uncover it all.
Taskforces and Takeovers in the Pipeline
Reform isn’t just talking about cutting—Yusuf says they’re ready to audit how councils work from the inside.
The plan includes launching taskforces of specialists to review spending, payrolls, and contracts.
And if you’re good at fixing potholes or know your way around software? Yusuf says you might be just who they’re looking for.
“We want the brightest and the best,” he said. “We’re going to open applications soon.”
Eyeing the General Election—and the PM’s Office
Riding high from their local election momentum—where they picked up over 600 seats, took control of 10 councils, and secured two mayoralties—Reform now has its eyes set on Parliament.
Yusuf claims the party is aiming for 350 to 400 MPs in the next general election.
His prediction? “Nigel will be our Prime Minister.”
And they’re already preparing for Tory defectors. Yusuf said Reform has a “defections team” ready to welcome former Conservative members who align with their values.
Conservatives Reeling and Reflecting
Meanwhile, the Tories are licking their wounds after one of the worst local election results in their history.
They lost over 600 councillors and control of 15 councils. It’s a major blow—and a wake-up call.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, admitted that Farage has tapped into public frustration but pushed back on the idea that slogans and soundbites are the answer.
“Yes, he’s expressing frustration. But now he has to deliver,” she said.
“That’s not my job—I have to come up with solutions.”
She added that voters aren’t automatically going to swing back to the Conservatives or Labour. “People are angry.
We get it. Now we have to prove we can actually fix things.”
