Reform Councillor Defects to Tories Over ‘Uncomfortable’ Policies

Published: 01 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A Reform UK councillor has formally defected to the Conservative Party, citing growing discomfort with the policies and rhetoric of Nigel Farage’s party. James Buchan, who represents the Stone House ward in the south-east London borough of Dartford, said his decision was driven by a desire to uphold his values while continuing to serve his local community effectively.

Buchan, who won his seat in a July 2025 byelection as a Reform candidate, revealed that he had struggled with the party’s increasingly hardline positions on immigration and social policy. “I stood for election with the sole aim of working for my community and getting things done for local families. Having had the opportunity to see Reform from the inside, I’ve concluded that the party doesn’t really have the experience or ambition to do that,” he said.

He added that remaining in the party had become personally challenging, particularly in the context of family and community interactions. “I wanted to be able to look my family in the eye and say, ‘that’s not who I am,’” he explained. Buchan cited Reform UK’s announcement to end indefinite leave to remain status as a key factor in his departure, describing the policy as spreading fear and anxiety among legal residents contributing to the UK.

“Relying on rhetoric and slogans isn’t going to help real families in communities like mine,” Buchan said. “The more I saw of Reform UK, the more uncomfortable I felt to be part of it. Policies like removing indefinite leave to remain from all non-EU residents who are legally working here are devastating for decent people who have built a life here and contribute to our country.”

Earlier this year, Reform UK unveiled plans to scrap indefinite leave to remain, proposing instead a visa system requiring people to reapply to live in the UK. The move was part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls, a stance that has drawn criticism from many community-focused politicians and advocacy groups. Buchan’s concerns reflected these wider anxieties, highlighting the impact of such policies on families, communities, and individuals who have long-term ties to the country.

A source from Reform UK responded to Buchan’s defection by stressing the political nature of the move. “He got elected in July 2025 as a Reform councillor. He should resign his seat but he won’t because he knows he will lose under the Tory banner. We look forward to winning this seat back as soon as possible,” the source said. The statement underscored the tensions within the party following Buchan’s departure and suggested an ongoing struggle to maintain credibility in local politics.

Dartford’s Conservative council leader, Jeremy Kite, welcomed Buchan to the party on Friday. “James knows that getting elected isn’t about power, it’s about service and being supportive of people,” Kite said. The leader praised Buchan’s commitment to the community and expressed confidence that he would continue to contribute positively under the Conservative banner.

Buchan’s defection comes amid a series of controversies surrounding Reform UK. Party leader Nigel Farage has faced criticism in recent weeks after defending an MP accused of making racist remarks. Additionally, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales pleaded guilty to bribery charges related to statements in favour of Russia during his tenure in the European Parliament. These incidents have compounded internal and public pressure on the party, creating an environment in which some members, like Buchan, felt compelled to reconsider their affiliation.

Political analysts suggest that Buchan’s move reflects a broader challenge for Reform UK as it seeks to balance its anti-establishment, populist image with the practical demands of governance at local levels. While the party has been effective in drawing attention to issues such as immigration and national sovereignty, critics argue that its policies often fail to address the day-to-day needs of communities and the administrative realities of council governance.

Buchan’s decision highlights a tension between principle and party alignment that many local politicians face. Speaking about his motivations, he emphasised that local representation requires tangible actions rather than ideological posturing. “At the end of the day, people want their councillors to make a difference in their lives, to be present, and to deliver solutions that help families and neighbourhoods. I felt Reform UK wasn’t equipped to do that in the way my constituents deserve,” he said.

The councillor also reflected on the personal impact of remaining with a party whose policies he found increasingly objectionable. “It became impossible to reconcile my own values with what the party was advocating. I wanted to be able to look at my community, at my family, and at myself, and know that I was acting with integrity,” Buchan explained. His remarks suggest that the decision to defect was guided not by political opportunism, but by a commitment to personal ethics and community service.

From a local political perspective, Buchan’s move strengthens the Conservative presence in Dartford. Analysts note that gaining a sitting councillor from another party provides an immediate boost, both in terms of council votes and local visibility. Dartford has historically been a Conservative stronghold, and Buchan’s defection is likely to consolidate the party’s position while raising questions about Reform UK’s capacity to maintain its local foothold.

Buchan’s departure may also influence other councillors and members of smaller, ideologically-driven parties who are navigating the complexities of local governance. Balancing national political rhetoric with the practical needs of constituents is a challenge that can create friction, particularly when party policies generate fear or uncertainty among residents. Buchan’s emphasis on “service over slogans” underscores a recurring theme in local politics: the electorate expects tangible results, not just ideological alignment.

Reform UK’s internal response suggests that the party is aware of the political ramifications. While critics may view Buchan’s defection as a blow to Reform UK’s credibility, supporters argue that it is an example of the volatility that can arise when a party adopts high-profile but divisive positions. The statement that Buchan would likely lose under the Tory banner hints at both electoral strategy and party sentiment, indicating that Reform UK intends to contest the seat vigorously in future elections.

For Buchan, the move appears to be about more than just political survival. By joining the Conservatives, he aims to continue working effectively for his community, leveraging the experience, infrastructure, and broader influence that the party provides. Local residents will be watching closely to see whether his work in Dartford gains momentum under the new affiliation, and how this change might influence policy delivery and community initiatives.

As Reform UK continues to navigate the fallout from Buchan’s departure, the party faces questions about its broader strategy and internal cohesion. For smaller parties built around strong personalities or specific ideological agendas, defections like this can be particularly damaging, raising concerns among members and supporters about leadership, direction, and credibility.

Overall, James Buchan’s defection to the Conservative Party reflects the intersection of personal ethics, local governance, and political strategy. It underscores the challenges smaller parties face when balancing ideological ambitions with the practical needs of constituents. For Dartford, the immediate consequence is a strengthened Conservative presence, but for the wider political landscape, it is a reminder that local representation often requires pragmatism, integrity, and a willingness to act in the community’s best interests.