Reform UK activists criticize plan to use £72m — The Guardian
In the United Kingdom, some Reform UK activists have criticized a plan to use £72 million in donations, including to hire 400 election campaign managers in target constituencies. The funds were donated to the party by crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, The Guardian reports.
According to the publication, these contributions became the largest donations received by a British political party since mandatory disclosure was introduced in 2001. At the same time, a dispute over the legality of the donations continues, while critics warned that Nigel Farage is trying to “buy” his way to power.
Activists' doubts
In a Facebook group used by Reform UK activists, participants expressed doubts about the appropriateness of hiring hundreds of managers. One contributor noted that the party needs more activists to canvass voters, rather than managers.
Another party member and former candidate called the announced plan unclear. In his view, campaign managers will need a large number of volunteers. He also questioned whether Reform UK plans to pay volunteers and what will happen to local branch members who already perform campaign manager functions after being elected by the membership.
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Recruitment
Reform UK has already begun recruiting professional organizers. This week, the party posted vacancies for more than 60 positions, including four branch network coordinators in different regions of England. It was also seeking 47 full-time election campaign managers in cities, towns and regions across the United Kingdom.
Other vacancies include a call center manager, two local by-election managers and a welfare manager for local councillors. The latter is to work with 2,300 party representatives and, among other things, handle conflict resolution. In the creative area, positions were offered for a graphic designer, a video editor to develop the party's presence on TikTok and other social media, as well as copywriters.
According to the publication, the spending is intended to strengthen Reform UK's preparation for election campaigns over the next three years by upgrading its branch network. Part of the funds may also be directed toward strengthening policy work for the party's shadow cabinet. A Reform UK source said that a significant share of the initial spending is related to the ordinary operation of the head office, including rent and administrative needs.
