Defector quits Reform UK calling move 'mistake'

A councillor who quit the Conservatives to join Reform UK has now left the party, calling his decision to defect "the biggest mistake of my life".

Medway councillor Robbie Lammas said he has become disillusioned with Reform UK just eight months after joining and no longer believed the party represented what he had expected.

"I'm going to leave Reform, I've had enough, it's not what I signed up to, and I feel I've been misled," he said.

Reform UK has been approached for comment

Lammas left the Conservative Party in October last year in a move that was seen as a boost for Reform UK locally.

However, he has now publicly expressed regret over the decision.

Describing the defection as "the biggest mistake of his life", Lammas said he felt he had been used at the time of the announcement.

"I think at the time I was used for a news story," he said

He was also critical of Reform UK's approach in office.

"I find with Reform they're good at spin, but struggle with good governance," he said.

When asked whether he felt embarrassed about joining the party, Lammas said: "Yeah, I am embarrassed about it. It was a huge mistake.

"Lots of others from Reform have told me they too feel it was a mistake to defect but they're not in a position to publicly admit it, but for me I'm happy to admit I've made a big mistake."

Lammas will continue his role on Medway Council as an independent councillor.

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