Full Breakdown
Devon County Council Members Join Advance UK Political Party
1/31/2026, 8:06:56 PM
New Political Alignment in Devon
Two members of the Devon County Council, Ed Hill and Angie Nash, have transitioned from Reform UK to the newly established political party, Advance UK. Both councillors were elected in May 2025, with Hill being expelled from Reform UK in July and Nash resigning in September. Advance UK, led by Ben Habib, a former deputy leader of Reform UK and a Brexit Party Member of the European Parliament (MEP), promotes the celebration of the nation's Christian constitution and cultural values.
Background of the Councillors' Departure
Ed Hill, representing Pinhoe & Mincinglake, was expelled from Reform UK following a controversy over a letter he sent regarding the auto-enrolment of eligible children for free school meals. The letter, which he claimed was signed by all Reform UK county councillors, was disputed by the party, which stated that not all members had consented to their names being used. Additionally, Hill's expulsion was linked to allegations he made concerning the election expenses of fellow councillor Neil Stevens, who successfully cleared his name in a civil case regarding these allegations.
Angie Nash, who represents Wonford & St Loye, also left Reform UK, citing a commitment to honesty and integrity. She expressed that remaining with the party would compromise her principles and the trust of her constituents. Michael Fife Cook, the leader of Reform UK in Devon, acknowledged that some voters might feel frustrated by the switch, as they had elected Nash under the Reform banner.
Motivations for Joining Advance UK
Upon joining Advance UK, Ed Hill stated that he had previously produced campaign materials for Reform UK that emphasized accountability and integrity. He expressed disappointment at being expelled for attempting to uphold these values and believes that Advance UK aligns more closely with his principles. Hill remarked, “Having reflected carefully on the culture and record of the other parties, I believe Advance UK is the political movement that will genuinely allow me to work by the values I campaigned on.”
Angie Nash described her departure from Reform UK as a “matter of necessity,” criticizing the local party environment as one that no elected representative should endure. She emphasized her commitment to protecting her constituents' voices and expressed optimism about Advance UK, stating, “In Advance UK, I have found a party that supports structural reform without the toxic internal culture that exists elsewhere.”
Official Statements from Advance UK Leadership
Ben Habib, the leader of Advance UK, praised Hill and Nash for exemplifying the type of public servants the party aims to support. He highlighted their commitment to integrity and reform as central to Advance UK's mission.
Criticism of the Transition
The transition of Hill and Nash to Advance UK has drawn criticism from within Reform UK, particularly from its Devon leadership, who labeled the new party as "too extreme" for their members. This sentiment reflects concerns about the potential impact of such shifts on local political dynamics and voter trust.
Conclusion
The move of Ed Hill and Angie Nash to Advance UK marks a significant development in Devon County Council's political landscape, as the new party gains representation. Their departure from Reform UK underscores ongoing tensions within the party and raises questions about the future direction of local governance in Devon.
