Reform UK has suspended a West London member after she criticised the local branch chair in an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). Laura Newman, who was initially due to stand for the party in Hammersmith Broadway, was informed via email that her comments were deemed damaging to Reform's interests and brought the party into disrepute. Following the suspension, Ms Newman stated she no longer wishes to be a member, emphasising that she approached the press only after waiting weeks for a response to a complaint filed with party headquarters.
Background of the Dispute
Dr Olivia Feng, Chair of Reform's Hammersmith and Fulham branch, dismissed Ms Newman as a disgruntled member who attempted to undermine the local campaign ahead of the May 7 elections. The article, published on April 23, revealed that Ms Newman had been selected as one of two Reform candidates for Hammersmith Broadway. She claimed to have spent months campaigning and canvassing support, with an election leaflet featuring her name and image already prepared. However, just 11 days before the candidate list deadline, Dr Feng informed her that she would no longer stand in the ward. Instead, she was offered the role of a paper candidate for neighbouring Fulham Reach, which she declined.
Ms Newman's Concerns
Ms Newman told the LDRS that she was subsequently removed from all party communications and felt poorly treated by Dr Feng. She expressed disappointment, stating, 'There's good and bad on both the Labour and Conservative sides. I thought Reform were maybe going to come in fresh, take the good of both parties, and do something different and radical. We're going to listen to working average Joes and Joannas, champion these people. When actually, you haven't really done that.' She filed a complaint with Reform but received no response.
Suspension and Aftermath
Later, Ms Newman received an email from Tom Waterhouse, General Secretary of Reform UK, informing her of her suspension pending an investigation. The email cited her attack on the party in the local press, including comments describing the party as ruthless and appalling. It stated that such criticism came at a crucial time when the party was supporting thousands of candidates in the May 7 elections. The email emphasised that internal disagreements should be handled privately, as per the party's constitution.
In her response, Ms Newman clarified that her criticisms were directed at Dr Feng, not the party as a whole, and that she went to the press only after her complaint was ignored for weeks. She told the LDRS she no longer wishes to be a member, accusing Reform of mishandling crucial communications.
Dr Feng's Response
Dr Feng defended the party's actions, stating, 'Ms Newman is simply a disgruntled member who sought to undermine our campaign at every stage when she didn't get her way. The fact that the party has suspended her and not upheld her vexatious complaints against me tells you all you need to know.'
Election Results
The May 7 elections saw Reform UK make significant gains nationwide, winning over 1,450 seats and taking control of several councils. In Hammersmith and Fulham, the party fielded a full slate of 50 candidates, targeting several wards as favourable. However, the local authority composition saw little change: Labour secured 38 seats (one more than pre-election), while the Conservatives retained 12. Reform failed to win any seats in the borough but achieved success elsewhere in London, most notably taking control of Havering Council.
Reform's two newly elected councillors in Sutton have declined to engage with the LDRS, instructing the reporter to desist from contacting them after being asked about their plans to scrutinise the Liberal Democrat administration.
