Why Reform UK loves diversity

In our hot take on R.E.M.’s famous song, it’s the end of (the world) council diversity jobs as we know it. So declared Dame Andrea Jenkyns who cited Nigel Farage’s pledge to sack diversity officers in Lincolnshire. The only slight snag is that there aren’t any. Through a freedom of information request it was revealed that Lincoln County Council doesn’t employ any diversity officers. 

News article from The Independent on May 4th 2025

It leaves us pondering if Reform has something of an obsession with diversity. As proponents of meritocracy and ‘the best person for the job’, there is a suggestion that under Farage there will be a focus on improving prospects and talent in the UK. We're not naive enough to believe it, but we're curious about the unrelenting focus on DEI that comes from the party.

It could be because, despite promising no more working from home in government departments, some of Reform’s very own jobs offer ‘home working with occasional travel’. How very woke?

Reform’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion is one to watch over the next three years. We’ve got some very exciting data about this that we’ll be revealing very soon.

Of course, we had to ask Paul the Taxi driver about the recent electoral gains by Reform UK. From tradespeople to bankers, builders to gardeners, the views were wide-ranging—but unified in one thing: frustration.

A wave of disillusionment

Every one Paul spoke to expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of politics. The Conservatives and Labour alike were criticised for breaking promises, lacking accountability, and failing to connect with ordinary people. A building company owner said bluntly, “The government’s gone against everything it promised. I’m not surprised by the result—but I wouldn’t vote for Reform either.”

An electrician echoed similar sentiments, listing scandal after scandal—from grooming gangs to high-profile figures avoiding serious consequences for disturbing offences, yet others being imprisoned for re-tweets. “It’s no surprise people voted the way they did,” he said. “But I still wouldn’t vote Reform.”

Mixed feelings on Reform

Reform UK’s success was met with understanding, if not support. A mental health worker, originally from Sri Lanka, described the situation as a “shocking state of affairs” but dismissed Reform as a “right-wing fascist organisation.”

Others, though, were more open to giving Reform a chance. A gardener said he plans to vote for them: “I’m disillusioned. I want someone who puts the country and its people first.”

An investment banker shared a similar view: “Given the state of play, Reform might be worth a shot.”