The rise of Reform: How do we restore trust?

The Reform Party’s current surge in support is rooted in deep public distrust: towards MPs, government and institutions.

Distrust is not new. It manifested itself for years as voter apathy. But it’s now shifting into anger and activism, driven by a decade of acrimonious Brexit debates, economic turmoil and political scandal. Maybe politicians are no better or worse than they ever were, but 24/7 media and the constant attention of those living their lives on social media means that there is much more exposure of their failings today.

People understandably conclude that politicians constantly lie to the electorate for their own gain. And Reform, with their easy assurances and populist appeal, are currently big beneficiaries of this mood.

As I celebrate 20 years as an MP, I’m saddened – though not surprised – by statistics such as the YouGov poll which found a whopping 76% of the public don’t trust MPs to tell the truth.

Is Reform really the answer?

But is Reform really the answer? It’s easy to make big promises, but they will find out on the ten councils they now run that rhetoric quickly fades as reality bites.

The deep-rooted, complex issues facing Britain have no quick fixes. Those voting Labour last July have been rapidly disappointed. Governing is hard, especially when money is tight and politicians must make unpleasant decisions.

People mostly want to live their lives in peace, with access to healthcare and welfare, safe streets, good schools, and decent local services.

And people are more likely to trust representatives who live alongside them, listen to their concerns and campaign on local issues. It’s not a coincidence that 34% of people trust their local MP to tell them the truth, compared to just 22% who trust ‘MPs’ in general.

Kemi Badenoch recently mocked the Lib Dems for being good at ‘fixing the church roof’. But I take that as a compliment. Lib Dems are proud of our community politics.

All politics is ultimately local, and restoring trust must start with building local relationships. Our directly elected system roots MPs in our communities, and lets us reflect local interests at a national level.

My team regularly walks the far-flung towns and villages of my Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency to canvass opinion and concerns, and my staff member Daniel Payne has reflected on this process: “To take the hours to go by foot to as much of this vast place as possible, to knock on as many doors as possible, to listen to as many complaints as necessary, to sympathise and push back gently and to have doors slammed and to shake hands in disagreement, is all an act of love. A slow, difficult, and bruising act of love.”

This is indeed how politicians should love and serve our neighbours. Each person we encounter – whether friendly or angry, suspicious or indifferent – is made in God’s image, loved by Him. Each has an innate worth that goes far beyond voting preferences, and which politicians forget at our peril.

Yes, Reform have struck a chord. But Mr Farage is hardly embedding himself in his Clacton community. Grandstanding to the national press is neither a sustainable plan for government nor a way to restore trust in politics.

Instead let’s take inspiration from Jesus: meeting people, making personal connections, taking the flak, and perhaps earning respect in return. Politics cannot redeem us. But as a Christian, I have a responsibility to serve God by serving others.

Politics, and relationships, are messy, complex and difficult, but Jesus shows us what’s possible. He calls us to work alongside Him and promises one day to redeem all creation, politicians and all!

If you are an evangelical member of Reform UK, we would be willing to consider a potential response – Ed.

See response from en readers here.

● Christian MPs and political figures contribute as believers, not party politicians. en does not endorse any one particular party.