Reform UK's annual conference in Birmingham began as the party faced its lowest poll ratings in 18 months. According to a recent voting intention survey by More in Common, published on September 9, the right-wing party has 22% public support, placing it four points behind Labour and one point behind the Conservatives. Nigel Farage, the party’s leader and newly re-elected MP for Clacton, is expected to address ongoing scrutiny over undeclared donations to Reform UK and his own financial disclosures. Farage returned to Parliament after winning a by-election in his Clacton constituency, which he called in protest over an inquiry into a donation from businessman Christopher Harborne. On the eve of the conference, he told the BBC that he believes he would not receive a fair hearing if investigated for failing to declare the Harborne donation, suggesting that the members of the committee handling the case have already decided he is guilty. “Well, I mean, that investigation, the outcome. Have you seen who is on the committee? I think we know the outcome already,” he said. Farage also raised concerns about an inquiry into a £5 million cryptocurrency donation, alleging the process is biased against him. He warned he could face a “stiffer penalty” if found to have broken parliamentary rules. The issue has drawn attention from across the political spectrum, with former Labour deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman, who chaired the Privileges Committee during the inquiry into the Boris Johnson “Partygate” scandal, warning that Farage could face similar consequences if found to have breached the rules. Harman’s comments highlight the potential seriousness of the allegations against Farage, should they be proven.