A significant political shift is underway in Britain, as young women increasingly turn away from traditional parties and towards Reform UK. This movement, marked by a notable rise in female membership and voter support, is challenging preconceptions and reshaping the political landscape.
The New Faces of Reform
For Saffron Sims-Brydon, a 22-year-old former Conservative supporter, joining Reform in October 2024 was a decision rooted in conviction. She felt the Conservatives no longer championed personal responsibility, national sovereignty, or transparent government. "Reform offered clarity and conviction," she explains. "It was about finally standing somewhere that aligned with what I believe." Saffron, now a councillor for Derwent and Pont Valley, strongly rejects the idea that the party is a 'boys' club', stating she has never felt less listened to because she is female.
Her experience reflects a broader trend. Polling for the More in Common think tank shows Reform's vote share among women aged 18 to 26 jumped from 12% to 21% following nationwide local elections last year. This growth coincides with a conscious effort by the party to showcase its female members, moving beyond the 'macho' image historically associated with leader Nigel Farage.
The party now boasts several prominent women in key roles. Sarah Pochin, a former Conservative, is Reform's MP for Runcorn and Helsby, becoming its most senior woman after a May by-election. Other rising stars include 25-year-old former beauty queen Charlotte Hill, a councillor in Melbourne, Derbyshire, and 18-year-old Sienna Churcher, the party's youngest councillor representing Barrow-in-Furness.
Understanding the Appeal: Safety, Economy, and 'Femonationalism'
Experts point to a multifaceted appeal driving this demographic shift. Dr Aaron Winter, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Lancaster University, notes that Reform is adept at signalling to a certain demographic that they are victims of social and economic change. There has been a strategic shift in focus towards the heteronormative, white family, he argues, with populist right-wing parties skilled at identifying and exploiting fears for political gain.
This often manifests in what Dr Winter describes as "femonationalism," where the notion of protecting women and children is framed within a context of xenophobia, particularly Islamophobia. Protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, sometimes attended by young mothers with their children, are cited as an example where extreme views can be legitimised as 'protective'.
Lois Shearing, author of 'Pink-Pilled: Women and the Far Right', suggests that women can make divisive rhetoric seem more palatable. "There's a benevolent sexism around white women, who have a halo effect and are seen as soft, kind and loving," they explain. Violent rhetoric from women can be perceived as coming from a place of nurturing, like a "mother bear" protecting her young, rather than hatred.
For supporters like Saffron, the appeal is more straightforward. She highlights Reform's policies on front-loaded child benefits, flexible tax allowances, and a clear stance on protecting girls' wellbeing in schools. Coupled with a dire economic outlook for Gen Z—where 1.2 million graduates recently competed for just 17,000 roles and homeownership feels impossible—the party's focus on affordability and a broken system resonates deeply.
A Broad Coalition: From OnlyFans Stars to Evangelical Values
Reform's female support base is notably diverse. Its most high-profile Gen Z supporter is 26-year-old Bonnie Blue, a sex worker and former OnlyFans creator, who publicly endorsed the party's positions on immigration and inheritance tax last month. Lois Shearing notes an algorithmic link, where the same online systems that reward extreme political content also reward extreme sexual challenge content.
This contrasts with the party's simultaneous courting of traditional, family-oriented voters, mirroring a trend seen in US politics. Donald Trump increased his share of the vote among women aged 18-29 by 7% in the 2024 election, with policies rewarding large families appealing to the growing 'tradwife' movement.
Despite this apparent contradiction, Saffron sees it as a strength. "What her support shows is how broad and diverse Reform's voting base actually is," she says of Bonnie Blue. "Reform isn't a lifestyle brand or a moral club."
Other notable women in Reform's orbit include former Australian pop singer Holly Valance, a major fundraiser, and Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the party's first elected mayor. Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe serves as its Immigration and Justice spokeswoman.
A Performative Shift or Lasting Change?
Critics question the sincerity of Reform's female-friendly rebrand. They point to Nigel Farage's voting record as an MEP, where he repeatedly voted against measures to advance women's rights, including the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women. He has also praised the controversial figure Andrew Tate.
Lois Shearing believes the party's championing of women is purely opportunistic. "They're opportunistic," they insist. "They'll make another group hyper-visible when they feel they need to."
Nevertheless, for young women like Saffron Sims-Brydon, the shift feels authentic and empowering. "For younger women and Gen Z, it's about being heard and feeling part of the conversation," she concludes. As economic pressures mount and political disillusionment grows, the role of women in carrying Reform's message—and potentially determining its electoral fate—appears set to expand.
