Skip to content
10 September 2026

Long Read

Inside Reform’s MAGA movement to make apprenticeships great again

Conference revealed the thinking behind the party's new skills policy, but Jessica Hill discovers its credible ideas are offset by divisive dogma

Jessica Hill

More from this author
10 min read
|

“We are literally fighting for our country, aren’t we?” the architect of Reform UK’s apprenticeships policies, Kevin Byrne, told an audience of businesspeople on the first morning of the party’s conference.

“I don’t think there are two that are fighting as strongly as these two are,” he added, gesturing towards Suella Braverman, the party’s provocative education spokesperson, and Lee Anderson, its gruff, straight-talking chairman.

‘Fighting’ seemed an appropriate word, given how divisive British politics has become.

Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week

Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.

subscribe

If you have an account, please login.

Sign in
Share

Explore more on these topics

No Comments

Featured jobs from FE Week jobs / Schools Week jobs

Browse more news