Why does Reform UK still get traction, according to Alastair Campbell?

Alastair Campbell blames a largely right-wing press and the fact that Nigel Farage and his colleagues make interesting copy, but says the coverage is now turning against Reform. He calls ITV's undercover documentary, made over a year, relentless in its racism and misogyny, and thinks the Conservatives stand to gain most from voters it puts off. Rory Stewart fears echo chambers mean such films change few minds.

• Campbell cites Robert Peston comparing Reform's response unfavourably with how Labour eventually tackled antisemitism.
• Campbell quotes a post arguing Labour and the Tories rose in the polls once they stopped imitating Reform.

▸In their words

“Maybe we shouldn't allow our politics to be guided by the worst people in the room.” Alastair Campbell · at 53:45 — open in the transcript →

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on The Rest Is Politics (2026-10-21). Read the whole episode summary →

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