Reform UK is recruiting staff for an expanded YouTube-based media operation with an estimated initial budget exceeding £10 million, according to a Reuters investigation published on 22 October 2026.
The party, led by Nigel Farage, is seeking to develop its existing video output into a more frequent programme of interviews, documentaries and other political content. Reuters reported that 12 media vacancies had been advertised and that plans envisage around 25 journalists and editors.
Plans for a party-run media operation
Gawain Towler, a member of Reform UK's governing board, confirmed aspects of the strategy to Reuters. He said the expansion would help the party develop more media presenters and communicate directly with audiences it believes are not fairly served by established broadcasters.
The proposed service would build on Reform UK's existing YouTube activity. The reported budget is a plan, not verified expenditure, and the expanded channel has not yet launched.
Large donations and wider expansion
Reuters linked the media plans to £72 million in donations announced in September by entrepreneurs Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, who each contributed £36 million. Those donations are not new this week.
According to party officials interviewed by Reuters, roughly half that sum is intended to support headquarters operations ahead of the next general election. Other planned spending includes policy development, advisers, campaigning and a newspaper with a proposed initial print run of 15 million copies.
Reuters also reported that Reform had raised approximately £87 million from private donors during 2026. That figure is based on the news agency's analysis and should not be confused with the £72 million attributed to the two named donors.
Scrutiny of political funding
The size of the donations has prompted political debate over the rules governing party finance. The government has discussed tighter restrictions on some donations linked to overseas residence, while Reform has said it would challenge retrospective changes that affected money already received.
No finding of illegality concerning the two September donations is established by the report. Proposed changes to donation rules should not be described as legislation already in force.
What happens next?
The party's recruitment and production plans will determine when the expanded operation launches and how closely it resembles a conventional news outlet rather than a party communications platform.
Source: Reuters investigation, 22 October 2026. The reported plans and budgets are attributed to Reuters and party sources; no separate official party budget document was identified.