Reform UK is set to hire 400 campaign managers across target constituencies, funded by recent donations totalling £72m. The substantial sum, provided by crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne last week, is the largest received by a UK political party since donation declarations became mandatory in 2001.
Nigel Farage views the funding as a way to put Reform UK on par with its political rivals. However, the announcement has sparked debate among the party's grassroots members, with some activists questioning the emphasis on professional staff over volunteers.
One activist posted on a Facebook group, stating a need for "more activists to knock on doors NOT managers." Another party member and former candidate expressed being "puzzled" by the plan, highlighting the need for volunteers to support the campaign managers. Reform UK is already advertising for over 60 roles, including 47 full-time campaign managers and four branch network coordinators.
The spending aims to prepare Reform for the next three years by overhauling its branch network and bolstering its policy apparatus. A Reform source indicated that the initial funds are "front loaded" for the operational necessities of running a major party, including head office expenses.