Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice has defended the party's decision to suspend a prominent supporter, Tim Montgomerie, stating that internal discussions should be kept private. Tice denied that the party is appearing 'thin-skinned' in response to criticism.
Montgomerie, a political commentator and former editor of ConservativeHome, had his Reform UK membership suspended this week. The suspension followed his public comments describing Zia Yusuf, the party's home affairs spokesman, as a 'child.' Montgomerie also criticized Yusuf's extensive social media activity and echoed claims that party leader Nigel Farage has 'fallen out of love' with Yusuf.
Montgomerie's recent criticisms also included Nigel Farage's decision not to attend the declaration of the Clacton by-election result, which he termed 'puzzling.' Additionally, Montgomerie commented on questions surrounding Farage's reported £5 million donation from a Thailand-based crypto-billionaire, stating that the Reform leader 'cannot hide away' from these issues.
Montgomerie, who previously served as an adviser to Boris Johnson, quit the Conservative Party in December 2024 to join Reform UK and had become one of its more vocal supporters.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Tice suggested that party officials took action against Montgomerie for voicing his criticisms publicly. "What we've always said is that actually, when you are, when you're having your discussions about those things, in the nicest possible way, as you would in a boardroom or in a brainstorming session in a company, you keep it behind closed doors, and then you go out and sell a great message," Tice stated. "That's what we're doing."
Tice also refuted claims that Reform UK was being 'thin-skinned' regarding Montgomerie's suspension, Farage's absence from the Clacton by-election count, and Yusuf's characterization of opponents as 'traitors' on social media. "Far from it… we get more scrutiny than everybody else," Tice remarked.
He highlighted Reform UK's recent performance, noting Nigel Farage's success in Clacton, where he secured more votes than in a previous election despite a lower turnout. Tice described this as an 'incredible result through hard work, through a brilliant campaign.' He added that the party is seeing an increase in polls, regaining a lead over the Labour Party, and is 'not afraid of competition.' "In a sense, democracy demands competition, and voters have got more choice. That's a good thing. None of us have ever claimed we're perfect," Tice concluded.