Reform UK Launches Audit Unit Led by Fried

Reform UK has launched its first Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) unit to tackle wasteful spending in the ten local councils it gained control of after May's elections, starting with Kent County Council. Inspired by a similar US department established during Donald Trump's presidency and initially led by Elon Musk, the UK Doge will be headed by tech entrepreneur Nathaniel Fried, who specializes in data analytics and cyber-security. The unit comprises software engineers, data analysts, and forensic auditors who will use advanced technology to identify inefficiencies. Critics, including local opposition leaders, question the need for external auditors given existing oversight structures and note that previous Reform cost-cutting efforts have been criticized as ineffective. Reform UK leader Zia Yusuf and party figure Nigel Farage assert that the initiative fulfills the party’s mandate to improve financial management and local government accountability. The launch is part of Reform's strategy to consolidate its recent electoral gains and demonstrate value to voters.