IfG at the Reform UK Party Conference 2025

The IfG has a big presence at the party conferences, hosting a wide-ranging and impactful programme of fringe events. 

From protest to power: How can Reform's locally elected leaders govern effectively?

Listen to the event

Photos from this event are available in our Flickr.

At this year’s local elections, the Reform Party secured outright majorities in 10 local authorities and won two metro mayor contests. 

As its local leaders make the transition from opposition to government, what skills will they need to be successful? What are the trade-offs they will have to make? How should they design and deliver policy? And how should they work with the Labour government in Westminster to deliver for voters locally?

Speakers: 

• Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO, Institute for Government (chair)
• Cllr Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council & County Councillor for Maidstone Southeast
• Akash Paun, Programme Director (Devolution), Institute for Government
• Gawain Towler, Former Head of Press, Reform UK 

IfG at the 2025 party conferences:

• Labour
• Conservative
• Liberal Democrat

Contact the IfG Events Team if you have any general questions or queries about our conference activity: [email protected]

Please note only those with a security pass can attend party conference. If you would like to catch up on our events, the audio and photos will be available on this webpage shortly after the events.

In the meantime, view our work programme to learn about our plans for 2025 and beyond.