Havering Conservative Councillors Defect to Reform Party in Political Shift
In a significant political development, two Conservative councillors in the London borough of Havering have officially defected to the Reform party, marking a notable shift in local allegiances. Councillors Christine Vickery and Robert Benham have left the Conservative Party to join Reform, bringing the total number of defectors in the borough to three. They follow former Conservative councillor Keith Prince, who made a similar move in October of last year.
Formation of Official Reform Group in Council Chamber
This defection allows Reform to form an official group within the Havering council chamber for the very first time, granting the party increased visibility and influence in local governance. The move was announced by Reform party leader Nigel Farage ahead of a large rally scheduled in Romford, underscoring the party's growing presence in the area.
Councillors Voice Discontent with Conservative Party
Speaking outside Havering Town Hall last week, Councillor Christine Vickery expressed her disillusionment with the Conservative Party, stating it was "not what it was when I joined 25 years ago." She emphasized that Reform would "make Britain great again" and criticized the Tories for failing to deliver on post-Brexit promises. Vickery told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We had Brexit and nothing happened with the Conservative Party. We were going to close the borders and look after people who live here – all cultures, everybody. And what did they do? Nothing. Look at the state we're in now."
She further accused the Conservatives of "letting the people down" by not improving the country after Brexit, citing examples such as "overflowing" hospitals as evidence of their shortcomings.
Personal Motivations Behind the Defections
Councillor Robert Benham clarified that projections showing Reform outperforming the Conservatives in Havering "played no part" in his decision to defect. Instead, he cited concerns for his young daughter's future as a primary motivation. Benham admitted it would be "difficult to knock on people's doors and persuade them to vote Conservative right now," reflecting broader challenges facing the party.
Expansion of Reform Party with New Members
In addition to the councillor defections, six former Tories were unveiled as new members of the Reform party, further bolstering its ranks. The new members include:
- Bailey Nash-Gardner
- Tom Vickery
- Martynas Cekavicius
- Della Morton
- Graham Edwards
- Maggie Themistocli
Political Reactions and Statements
Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, who himself defected from the Conservatives last month, commented on the developments, stating that the defections and the fielding of new candidates "marked a new chapter for our movement in Romford and across Havering."
In a statement issued last week, Reform party leader and Clacton MP Nigel Farage expressed his delight in welcoming the two councillors and six candidates to his fledgling party. He asserted that it was "clear that Reform has all the momentum and the Conservatives have no chance in London," highlighting the party's growing confidence and strategic positioning ahead of future elections.
This series of defections underscores a period of political realignment in Havering, with Reform gaining ground as dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party mounts. The ability to form an official council group represents a tangible step forward for Reform, potentially influencing local policy and voter perceptions in the coming months.
