Reform UK claims largest party membership in Britain
Reform UK says it has overtaken Labour to become Britain’s biggest political party by paid membership. Before we accept or dismiss that claim, let’s get clear on what membership means, how numbers are checked, and how it differs from polling.
Reform says more than 268,000 people are paid‑up members, shown on a live counter. At the same time, the Financial Times and The Times report Labour’s total has slipped below 250,000, down from 333,235 at the end of 2024; Labour prefers to publish the official figure in its annual report rather than give running commentary.
Here’s a key media‑literacy point: UK parties are not required by law to publish membership totals, there’s no single definition of a ‘member’, and there’s no independent auditor. The best snapshots, when parties choose to include them, appear in annual accounts filed to the Electoral Commission.
Membership is not the same as national support. Membership shows how many people are willing to join and pay; polls estimate how people might vote. In 2025, Ipsos has repeatedly found Reform ahead of Labour nationally, although the size of the lead has varied by month and pollster.
How Reform counts matters for trust. The party says its live counter reflects paid members only, with standard membership at £25 and an under‑25 rate of £10. Senior Conservatives have publicly questioned whether the counter is accurate; Nigel Farage rejected that, said data could be audited, and threatened action over the claim. In short: the figure is self‑reported, not independently verified.
Where do other parties stand? The Conservatives don’t publish running totals, but 131,680 members were eligible to vote in their 2024 leadership election; some reporting this year places current Tory membership nearer 120,000. The Liberal Democrats’ 2024 accounts listed 83,174 members and supporters combined, with around 60,000 paid‑up members.
The Green Party says it has surged since Zack Polanski became leader in September 2025. By late October, the Guardian reported membership at more than 140,000, with later reporting from The Times and the FT placing it above 150,000 and, by some estimates, around 180,000 by December. Expect firmer audited numbers in the next accounts.
You may also see new names. Your Party, founded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, says it has around 50,000–55,000 members. Sky News reported 50,000 in early November; subsequent reporting and the party’s page have cited around 55,000. The launch has been bumpy, with disputed membership portals and refund complaints.
If you’re comparing parties, the price tag and terms differ. Labour’s standard rate is £70.50 a year, with reduced options at £35.50 and £12 for students and younger members. Reform lists £25 a year, or £10 for under‑25s. The Greens set £60 standard, with reduced and concessionary rates. Conservatives advertise £39 standard, £25 for Armed Forces and £10 for under‑26s. The Liberal Democrats start at £15 a year with recommended monthly rates. Your Party launched on £5 a month. These choices shape who joins and who stays.
What do members actually get? Most parties give you internal voting rights, the chance to help choose candidates and to attend conference. For example, to vote in a Conservative leadership contest you usually must have been a member for at least three months; in 2024 that meant 131,680 people were eligible.
A quick guide to reading membership claims. First, check whether the figure is paid members or a larger ‘supporter’ list; in Lib Dem accounts, 83,174 combined members and supporters sat alongside around 60,000 paid members. Second, check dates and whether the number sits in an audited annual report or on a live party counter. Researchers at the House of Commons Library stress that comparisons are tricky because definitions and reporting vary.
Size also brings responsibility. Reform recently expelled a senior local figure over racist posts after vetting failures were uncovered, while Your Party has had to apologise for bungled sign‑ups and refund delays. Growth and party culture go together; transparency matters on both.
What to watch next. The Electoral Commission will publish each party’s 2025 accounts in 2026, which may include updated membership numbers. Pair those filings with reputable poll trackers to get a fuller picture of public support, not just who is most successful at recruiting members.