In a surprising turn of events, a Reform UK councillor has defected to the Conservative party, citing discomfort with the former’s policies. James Buchan, who was elected to the borough of Dartford in Kent just a few months ago, announced his decision at a press conference on Monday, October 27th, 2025.
“I stood for election with the sole aim of working for my community and getting things done for local families,” Buchan stated. “But after being a part of Reform UK, I have come to the conclusion that the party lacks the experience and ambition to truly make a positive impact.”
Buchan expressed concern over Reform UK’s strong stance on anti-immigration measures, stating that it only spreads fear and creates a hostile environment for immigrant families. He also criticized the party for relying on rhetoric and slogans rather than concrete plans to help improve communities.
“The more I saw of Reform UK, the more uncomfortable I felt to be a part of it,” Buchan stated. He emphasized that he wanted to be able to “look his family in the eye and say ‘that’s not who I am’,” referencing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s plans to end indefinite leave to remain status for immigrants. Buchan argued that this policy could have devastating consequences for hard-working and contributing individuals who have built a life in the UK.
Reform UK’s proposed solution is to replace indefinite leave to remain status with visas, necessitating reapplication for residency in the UK. However, Buchan believes that this plan only creates more fear and anxiety for immigrant families, and that the party’s treatment of people is “pretty unfortunate.”
In response to Buchan’s defection, a Reform UK source stated: “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.” This statement highlights the party’s confidence in their policies and their commitment to winning back Buchan’s seat in Dartford.
On the other hand, Dartford’s Conservative council leader, Jeremy Kite, welcomes Buchan’s decision to join their party. “James knows that getting elected isn’t about power, it’s about service and being supportive of people,” Kite stated. This sentiment aligns with the core values of the Conservative party, which prioritize serving the community and supporting its citizens.
This latest defection comes on the heels of Reform UK’s failed attempt to secure their first seat in the Welsh parliament during a recent by-election in Caerphilly. However, despite this setback, the party remains a strong contender in the polls and has successfully attracted several Conservative defectors.
Related to this development, Farage has publicly expressed his unhappiness with one of his MPs’ controversial remarks on race. However, he firmly rejects calls for disciplinary action, stating, “We are a party that believes in free speech, and we are not going to punish someone for expressing themselves.” This statement further solidifies the party’s commitment to upholding the rights of individuals to express their opinions freely.
In another recent controversy, a Reform UK MP faced criticism for warning against forming “LGBT-supporting” political alliances. However, the party has openly expressed its support for the LGBTQ+ community and continues to promote equality and inclusion for all.
Despite facing some challenges and criticisms, Reform UK remains a strong force in British politics, with a committed leader and a dedicated team. As they continue to grow and evolve, their policies and actions will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the country’s future.
In conclusion, James Buchan’s defection to the Conservative party may come as a surprise, but it highlights the party’s commitment to serving the community and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As the political landscape of Britain continues to shift and evolve, Reform UK remains a significant player, and their actions and policies will continue to shape the future of the country.
