Full Breakdown
Councillor Robbie Lammas Quits Reform UK, Calls Defection “Biggest Mistake of My Life”
6/15/2026, 8:57:58 PM
Defection and Return: Lammas Leaves Reform UK
Medway councillor Robbie Lammas announced his departure from Reform UK, stating that the decision to join the party eight months earlier was “the biggest mistake of my life.” Lammas, who had left the Conservative Party in October 2023, said he no longer believed Reform UK represented his expectations and would continue his duties on Medway Council as an independent councillor.
Background: From Conservative to Reform UK
Lammas’s October 2023 resignation from the Conservatives was reported as a local boost for Reform UK, giving the party a foothold on Medway Council. After joining Reform UK, he served as a councillor under the party’s banner for roughly eight months before publicly expressing regret and resigning.
Key Figures and Organizations
- Robbie Lammas – Elected Medway councillor, former Conservative, briefly a Reform UK member, now independent.
- Reform UK – A right-leaning political party that attracted Lammas’s defection; the party was approached for comment on his resignation but did not respond.
- Conservative Party – The party Lammas left in October 2023; no statement from the Conservatives is recorded in the source.
- Medway Council – The local authority where Lammas serves; his seat remains occupied as an independent position.
Official Responses & Statements
Reform UK was contacted for comment regarding Lammas’s departure; the party did not provide a response at the time of reporting. Lammas confirmed he will retain his council seat as an independent, indicating no immediate procedural changes for the council’s composition.
Criticism of Reform UK
Lammas criticised Reform UK’s internal dynamics, alleging he was misled during his recruitment and used for media coverage. He described the party’s governance as weak, contrasting it with what he perceived as strong “spin.” Lammas also expressed personal embarrassment about his decision to join, noting that other Reform UK members reportedly share his regret but feel unable to speak publicly.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm going to leave Reform, I've had enough, it's not what I signed up to, and I feel I've been misled,” — Robbie Lammas, Medway councillor
- “I think at the time I was used for a news story,” — Robbie Lammas, Medway councillor
- “I find with Reform they're good at spin, but struggle with good governance,” — Robbie Lammas, Medway councillor
- “Yeah, I am embarrassed about it. It was a huge mistake.” — Robbie Lammas, Medday councillor
- “Lots of others from Reform have told me they too feel it was a mistake to defect but they're not in a position to publicly admit it, but for me I'm happy to admit I've made a big mistake.” — Robbie Lammas, Medday councillor
What’s Next for Lammas
Having resigned from Reform UK, Lammas will sit on Medway Council as an independent representative. No further party affiliation has been announced, and the council’s next meeting will address any procedural implications of his status change.
