Reform UK has implemented severe security budget reductions, cutting protection costs by more than three-quarters in the wake of disappointing electoral performances, The Independent can reveal.
The party's security expenditure plummeted from approximately £140,000 during the first three quarters of 2024 to just £31,600 in the final quarter, according to official Electoral Commission records. This represents a staggering 77% decrease in security spending as the party scaled back its protective operations.
Security Details Slashed After Election Setbacks
The drastic cuts followed what party insiders described as "disappointing" election results that failed to meet expectations. Multiple security firms previously employed to protect high-profile figures including leader Nigel Farage have seen their contracts significantly reduced or terminated entirely.
One security company, A1 Security Group, received payments totalling £67,600 between July and September 2024. However, this relationship appears to have ended abruptly, with no further payments recorded in subsequent months.
Multiple Security Firms Affected
Other security providers also felt the impact of Reform UK's financial retrenchment. ISEC Limited, which had received £41,200, and Global Risk Solutions, paid £31,200, both saw their contracts disappear as the party dramatically scaled back its security operations.
The timing of these cuts has raised eyebrows among security experts, particularly given Farage's high-profile status and the increasingly heated political climate surrounding immigration and other contentious issues.
Financial Strain Following Electoral Disappointment
Political analysts suggest the security reductions reflect broader financial pressures within Reform UK following what party sources acknowledge was an underwhelming performance in recent elections. Despite significant media attention and public polling suggesting stronger results, the party failed to achieve its anticipated breakthrough.
This financial retrenchment comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety of political figures in the UK, with several high-profile incidents involving politicians occurring in recent years. The decision to substantially reduce protection for party leadership has prompted questions about risk assessment and duty of care within political organizations.
A Reform UK spokesperson declined to comment on the specific security arrangements when approached by The Independent.
