The BBC has spent time interviewing senior figures and witnessing Reform's work at the largest council it runs.

Official figures better than expected after stronger receipts than a year earlier * Business live – latest updates The UK government borrowed less than expected in December, official figures show, after stronger receipts than a year earlier. Public sector net borrowing – the difference between spending and income – was £11.6bn last month, the Office for National Statistics said, compared with £18.7bn in the same month a year earlier. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Voters say they have little confidence that government can control borders despite sharp falls in net migration A large majority of UK voters believe immigration is increasing despite sharp falls in the number of people entering the UK, according to exclusive polling shared with the Guardian. Voters also say they have no confidence in the government’s ability to control the UK’s borders, according to the poll by More in Common. The results will come as a blow to Keir Starmer’s administration, which has taken an increasingly hardline stance on immigration in recent months. Continue reading...