In recent months, there has been a significant increase in support for the Reform Party among Gen Z women. Many are wondering what has caused this sudden shift, and some believe it may be due to the party's focus on female members.
For 22-year-old Saffron Sims-Brydon, it was a difficult decision to leave the Conservative Party, which she had previously supported. But she ultimately felt that the Reform Party aligned more with her beliefs and values. "I couldn't continue blindly following a party that no longer stood for personal responsibility, national sovereignty, or transparent government," Saffron explains to Metro. "Reform offered something I hadn't felt in years – clarity and conviction. It wasn't about careerism or convenience, but about standing for what I truly believe in and questioning the status quo without fear of punishment."
Saffron also notes that she has not experienced discrimination or marginalization as a female member of the Reform Party, despite criticism from some who question the party's stance on women. In fact, she believes that the party's recent surge in support among young women is a testament to its inclusivity and dedication to representing all voices.
One factor that may have contributed to this increase in support is the party's recent efforts to revamp its image. The Reform Party has faced criticism in the past for being a "boys club," but it is now actively promoting its female members and supporters. Party leader Nigel Farage, known for his "macho" persona, has taken a backseat to highlight the contributions of women like Sarah Pochin, Reform's only female member of parliament, and numerous female councillors.
Among the party's most high-profile supporters in the Gen Z demographic is Bonnie Blue, a 26-year-old former sex worker and OnlyFans content creator. While she admits to not being knowledgeable about politics, she believes that the UK is in need of change and supports Reform's stances on issues such as immigration and inheritance tax.
But what is driving this shift in support among young voters? According to Dr. Aaron Winter, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology, all parties are vying for the support of female voters. However, he believes that the Reform Party's messaging may be resonating with a certain demographic – white British individuals who feel like they are being left behind in a changing society. Dr. Winter warns that this narrative can be dangerous, as it often targets specific groups, such as immigrants, to blame for societal issues.
Lois Shearing, author of "Pink-Pilled: Women and the Far Right," adds that women can be a powerful tool for the party's messaging. "There is a benevolent sexism around white women, who are often perceived as kind and nurturing," they explain. "This can make their language and actions seem less threatening and more acceptable, even when they are espousing extreme or hateful views."
Saffron, however, disagrees with the notion that the Reform Party is using women as pawns in a political game. She believes that their policies are not racist, and that women are playing an active role in shaping the party's direction.
In recent years, the party has attracted a diverse group of women, including the youngest councillor in the UK, 18-year-old Sienna Churcher, and former Australian pop singer Holly Valance, who has hosted fundraisers for the party. They have also garnered attention for their support of individuals like Lucy Connolly, who was jailed for inciting racial hatred, and Laila Cunningham, a mother of seven who is running for London mayor.
However, it is important to remember that the party's messaging and tactics have been called into question, particularly in regards to their stance on immigration and the use of women's voices to push a certain narrative. As we move towards the future, it is crucial to critically examine the motivations and implications of political parties and their strategies.
Support for Reform among young women of Generation Z has seen a significant rise in recent months. Many speculate that this shift can be attributed to the party's focus on promoting female representation. Saffron Sims-Brydon, a 22-year-old former supporter of the Conservative Party, made the bold decision to switch parties and become a member of Reform in October 2024. She explains that she was drawn to the party's values of personal responsibility, national sovereignty, and transparent government, which she felt were lacking in her previous political affiliation.
Saffron also notes that Reform's image does not match her personal experience within the party. She states, "In Reform, I don't feel like my voice is disregarded because I am a woman. When young women deviate from the expected political path, critics tend to question the party rather than taking us seriously." This may be surprising to some, as Saffron does not fit the typical profile of a Reform voter. However, this trend of support among young women of Generation Z has been observed in recent months. According to polling for the More in Common think tank, the party's vote share among women aged 18 to 26 rose from 12% to 21% after nationwide local elections last year.
The rise in support for Reform among young women may be attributed to the party's recent efforts to rebrand itself. Previously criticized for being a "boys club," Reform is now showcasing its female members and supporters. The party's leader, Nigel Farage, known for his "macho" persona, has taken a backseat as the party highlights its female representatives. Former Conservative Sarah Pochin is now Reform's member of parliament for Runcorn and Helsby, making her the most senior woman in the party. Additionally, Reform boasts numerous female councillors, including Saffron who now represents Derwent and Pont Valley.
One of the most well-known female supporters of Reform within the Generation Z demographic is Bonnie Blue, a 26-year-old sex worker and former OnlyFans content creator. In a recent article for The Spectator, she wrote, "I am not knowledgeable about politics, but I do know that the UK is very messed up." She goes on to explain that she supports Reform's stance on immigration and inheritance tax, stating, "Reform has sensible positions, so I stand with Nigel Farage."
So, what is behind this sudden shift in young women's support for Reform? Dr. Aaron Winter, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Lancaster University, suggests that all political parties are vying for the female vote, as it is crucial to their success. He explains that Reform is appealing to a specific type of white British person who may feel like a victim of social, cultural, political, and economic changes. Dr. Winter also notes that populist right-wing parties are skilled at exploiting fears for their own gain.
One example of this is the protests outside of hotels where asylum seekers were being temporarily housed, as well as the ongoing uproar against grooming gangs involving Asian males. Dr. Winter calls this phenomenon "femonationalism," where the idea of "protecting women" is used to promote xenophobic views. Lois Shearing, author of Pink-Pilled: Women and the Far Right, adds that young women can sometimes "get away with" more extreme rhetoric due to the perception that they are less dangerous. She explains, "Women's language is seen as coming from a place of nurturing rather than hatred, which is why motherhood is so valued in the far right."
However, Saffron disagrees with the notion that Reform's policies are racist or that women are being used as pawns in a political game. She firmly believes in the party's values and states, "Reform is not about hate. It is about promoting what is best for our country." She also points out that the party's female representatives have been elected democratically and are not being used as tokens.
Ultimately, the rise in support for Reform among Generation Z women may be a result of the party's efforts to rebrand itself and promote female representation. However, it is important to critically examine the motivations behind this trend and not be swayed by divisive rhetoric. As young women, it is crucial to make informed decisions when it comes to politics and not be influenced by surface-level appeals or stereotypes.
