Tim Montgomerie, a political commentator and former Conservative Party defector, has resigned from Reform UK, calling on party leader Nigel Farage to "get a grip" and professionalize the organization. Montgomerie's departure follows his suspension from the party last month after publicly criticizing senior figures.
Montgomerie told the BBC that while Reform's party chair, Lee Anderson, had indicated a desire for his return, it was on terms he found unacceptable. "I think they wanted me back in the party but meekly," Montgomerie stated. He affirmed his continued support for Reform's policies and membership, emphasizing that he does not intend to rejoin the Conservative Party.
He expressed a desire for Reform to operate more like itself and less like Germany's Alternative for Deutschland (AfD), a far-right party that recently achieved a significant victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD's platform includes a controversial "remigration" policy, widely interpreted as advocating for mass deportations of migrants. Montgomerie linked this to recent anti-migrant demonstrations in Dover and Portsmouth associated with Tommy Robinson, suggesting Farage needs to exert stronger leadership.
"Nigel needs to get a grip, he needs to lead the party," Montgomerie said. He credited Farage with effectively managing the party's right flank and preventing the involvement of figures like Tommy Robinson. However, Montgomerie urged Farage to "sort it out" and bring individuals such as Reform's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, under control for the sake of his legacy and "decency."
Last month, Montgomerie had voiced frustration over Farage's "aggrieved" tone post-Clacton by-election and described Yusuf as not being a "team player" in a podcast. Reform UK at the time stated Montgomerie had been suspended "in line with party rules" due to his public criticisms.
Montgomerie, who previously ran the ConservativeHome website, joined Reform UK approximately 18 months after defecting from the Conservatives. He had previously defended his criticisms in a video statement, asserting he aimed to make the party "better and stronger."
Describing his decision to resign as "sad" and leaving him feeling "battered," Montgomerie reflected on his age and diminishing inclination for conflict. He sees Reform UK at a critical juncture, noting that the party has not supplanted the Conservatives as originally planned. Montgomerie expressed concern about a protracted struggle between the two parties, which he believes would be unproductive. He fears the potential for Reform UK to focus on "sectional interests" and posed the question of whether the party aspires to be a governing entity or a fringe movement that influences debate.
A spokesperson for Reform UK wished Montgomerie "the best for the future and thank him for his support."