A Reform UK councillor has defected to the Tories after turning into “uncomfortable” with Nigel Farage’s social gathering.
James Buchan stated he wished to have the ability to “look my family in the eye and say, ‘that’s not who I am’” after his former social gathering introduced plans to scrap indefinite depart to stay.
The Dartford Borough councillor, who received his seat for Reform in a by-election in July, stated the coverage creates a “huge amount of fear and anxiety”.
He additionally accused the social gathering of getting “a pretty unfortunate way of treating people”.
Picture:James Buchan. Pic: Dartford Borough Council
In a press release, Mr Buchan stated: “I stood for election with the only intention of working for my neighborhood and getting issues achieved for native households.
“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 stated “relying on rhetoric and slogans isn’t going to help real families in communities” like his and “the more I saw of Reform UK, the more uncomfortable I felt to be part of it”.
“Things like a proposal to remove indefinite leave to remain from all non-EU residents who are working here perfectly legally is an example that could be devastating for decent people who have built a life here and contribute to our country,” he added.
Earlier this yr Reform introduced it will axe indefinite depart to stay and exchange it with new visas that may require migrants to reapply to stay within the UK as a part of plans to tighten immigration.
Conservative council chief Jeremy Kite welcomed Mr Buchan, who represents the Stone Home ward, to the social gathering.
“James knows that getting elected isn’t about power, it’s about service and being supportive of people,” he stated.
“We look forward to winning this seat back as soon as possible.”
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