IR35 Reform?
Track the latest political proposals and discussions around potential changes to IR35 and the Off-Payroll Working rules. From opposition party pledges to historical reform attempts.
Important: Political parties and opposition figures are actively discussing potential changes to IR35 and the Off-Payroll Working rules. This page tracks proposals, policy discussions, and party positions. Nothing here represents confirmed legislation unless explicitly stated. All content is based on published statements and reports.
The future of IR35 remains a topic of intense political debate across all major parties. From the dramatic 2022 mini-budget rollercoaster to recent opposition pledges, IR35 reform continues to be discussed across the political spectrum.
Below, we've compiled the latest news on IR35 reform proposals, political party positions, and historical reform attempts to help you stay informed about potential changes that could affect UK contractors.
New to IR35?Start with our comprehensive guide explaining what IR35 is, how it works, and what inside and outside IR35 means for contractors.
Recent Political Proposals (2025–2026)
The Tories’ three IR35 replacement options
IPSE’s Josh Toovey sets out Old IR35, OPW Light and New IR35, and which the self-employed body would back.
Conservatives vow to replace IR35 outright, Griffith says
Not reform, not review. Advisers who met him tell ContractorUK what a replacement would have to keep — and why others are wary.
Tory IR35 policy meeting 'a positive' start, attendees tell ContractorUK
A behind-closed-doors session for the Conservatives to work out their IR35 position posed four big questions to contractors' advisers. Attendees described the meeting as "positive" with MPs appearing "receptive" to feedback about the onerous nature of OPW rules.
Farage reattacks IR35, as Reform tells ContractorUK both IR35 and OPW would be axed
The Intermediaries legislation of 2000 has made life 'very, very difficult' for contractors, so it too would be abolished with the OPW rules, Reform UK confirms. Nigel Farage called IR35 "ridiculous" and "stifling innovation" in a speech launching Small Business for Reform.
Reform UK would scrap IR35 — deputy leader Richard Tice confirms
Following an attack by Nigel Farage on 'weak Tory chancellors' for leaving contractors 'embattled by IR35,' Richard Tice confirms that a Reform government would axe IR35 "as part of plans to simplify rules for the self-employed."
Andrew Griffith MP says Tories would reform IR35
Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith used his Conservative Party conference speech to pledge to "look again at reforming IR35" if the Conservatives are returned to power. Griffith was at the Treasury during the 2022 mini-budget IR35 repeal announcement.
Historical Reform Attempts (2022)
Mini-Budget 2022: Government repeals IR35 reform from April 2023
Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng stunned the contractor sector by announcing the repeal of both public and private sector IR35 reforms, saying they imposed "unnecessary cost and complexity." The decision was estimated to cost the exchequer £6.18 billion over five years.
Off-payroll U-turn: New chancellor Jeremy Hunt rips up pledge to repeal IR35 reform
Just 24 days after the mini-budget announcement, new chancellor Jeremy Hunt reversed the pledge to repeal IR35 reform as part of a £31 billion-a-year package to shore up the economy. Contractors were "lost for words" at the dramatic U-turn.
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This page is regularly updated with the latest IR35 reform news and political developments. Last updated: September 2026