Heathrow Airport has been revealed as a sponsor of Reform UK’s annual party conference, signalling growing interest from major businesses in Nigel Farage’s rapidly rising party.
The UK’s busiest airport will sponsor a lounge at the two-day event, taking place this week in Birmingham. It marks Reform UK’s largest conference since the party’s launch in 2018 and reflects a shift in its standing, with business now starting to take notice.
Hundreds of newly elected councillors are expected to attend, following the party’s strong performance in May’s local elections. Recent polling by BMG research shows reform surging to 35% of the vote and 15 points ahead of Labour and 18 points clear of the Conservatives.
Reacting to the poll, Nigel Farage said: “Something is happening out there,” as more voters switch their support to Reform.
Historically, Reform conferences have attracted little attention from big business compared to those of Labour and the Conservatives. But this year, with the party consistently topping polls since April, corporate interest has grown. Some analysts say the involvement of Heathrow and other companies signals that business leaders are starting to seriously consider the possibility of a Farage-led government.
A Heathrow spokesperson said, “As the UK’s hub airport and largest port by value, supporting businesses large and small and strengthening the country’s economy, Heathrow has a long track record of constructive engagement across the political spectrum.We look forward to discussing how Heathrow can help boost the UK’s global competitiveness with delegates at Reform UK’s conference in Birmingham.”
Political party conferences are a key source of income through sponsorships and provide a vital platform for engaging with business leaders.
Reform’s event at the National Exhibition Centre begins on Friday and will feature a keynote address by Farage. The party’s rise has been fuelled by voter dissatisfaction with Labour particularly over immigration and small boat crossings across the Channel.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure from within his party to take a tougher stance on immigration, including the possibility of leaving parts of the European Convention on Human Rights.
According to the BMG poll, 41% of voters trust Reform to deal with the small boats issue, compared to just 14% for Labour.
Based on the latest projections, if a general election were held today, Reform UK could win a landslide majority with up to 400 seats.
