'This year's party conference will be bigger than ever, it will be noticeable'

There will be panel discussions on the main stage and an exhibition hall will provide an opportunity for businesses to have a presence attracting revenue for the party as well as adding to its credibility.

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One insider said: “This year will be bigger than ever before, it will be noticeable.” The choice of venue is significant.

The Tories often hold their conferences in the city centre’s International Convention Centre but Reform has opted for the NEC on the outskirts of nearby Solihull.

This is 10 miles from the heart of Birmingham, meaning that attendees including the media are more likely to spend their evenings at conference-related events or in the small selection of nearby hotel bars. Some of the most important work, however, is taking place behind the scenes as Reform draws up detailed policy proposals designed to show that it can be a credible party of Government.

A new pro-Reform think tank, similar to those that are linked to Labour or the Conservatives, will be at the NEC meeting.

The Centre for a Better Britain was launched this year by Reform’s former chief operating officer Jonathan Brown and two of the party’s biggest donors.

It is about to publish its first policy paper on energy and net zero.