A group of Reform UK councillors in Derbyshire has resigned, citing dissatisfaction with Nigel Farage’s leadership. Farage, however, claims the councillors were illegitimate candidates from a rogue branch.
Ten Reform UK councillors in Derbyshire have resigned in protest, accusing leader Nigel Farage of running the party in an “increasingly autocratic manner” and losing its sense of direction since his appointment in June.
The councillors, led by Alex Stevenson, issued a statement, first reported by The Guardian, alleging a lack of internal democracy and criticising Farage’s sidelining of former co-deputy leader Ben Habib.
“We have seen no meaningful steps taken towards democratising the party, which we were promised,” the councillors said.
Farage dismissed the claims on BBC Newsnight, stating the councillors were part of a “rogue branch” that failed to properly vet candidates. “None of them passed vetting,” Farage asserted, adding that some may face by-elections due to invalid nominations.
Allegations and Counterclaims
The councillors, most of whom represent Heanor and Loscoe Town Council, accused the party leadership of adopting a constitution in the autumn that stifles democracy. Stevenson admitted that some candidates he nominated had not cleared the party’s vetting process but defended them as “good blokes.”
Farage responded, “We had a rogue branch putting people up… Several of these councillors are illegitimate, and new elections must be held.” Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf echoed this, alleging fraudulent nominations and confirming the suspension of Stevenson.
Musk and Farage: A Rocky Relationship
The controversy follows Elon Musk’s public critique of Farage’s leadership on the X platform, where Musk suggested Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead Reform UK.
Farage revealed to the BBC that Musk had encouraged him to support controversial figures like former EDL leader Tommy Robinson, which Farage declined. “While many things Tommy Robinson has said are right… I don’t want him in my party,” Farage stated, adding that he and Musk have since reconciled.
A Party in Turmoil
Despite Farage’s attempts to downplay the resignations, the incident highlights ongoing tensions within Reform UK. The councillors’ departure, coupled with Musk’s criticism, underscores challenges in the party’s leadership and its path forward.
