Newsnight, followed by Weather

The programme's main story was the Reform UK party conference in Birmingham, which was overshadowed by an undercover investigation broadcast by Channel 4 News. The investigation, conducted by Verbatim Investigations, showed senior Reform figures discussing ways around electoral law on donations. Reform UK denied any lawbreaking, and Nigel Farage said the comments were "injudicious at best." Two senior aides, Dan Jukes and James Orr, were fired. The party's response shifted from calling the investigation a hoax to acknowledging mistakes.

The conference also featured policy announcements on small boats, energy bills, and overhauling the House of Lords and the judiciary. The programme included an interview with Reform UK's London mayoral candidate, Leila Cunningham, who defended the party, saying no money was taken and the poll was not commissioned. Panelists discussed the potential political impact, noting a dip in Reform's poll ratings and the challenge of distancing the party from the scandal.