𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Reform UK has dealt another blow to the Conservatives by recruiting former Tory MP Ben Bradley to help slash council spending.

The 35-year-old, who previously represented Mansfield and served as the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, joined the party on Wednesday, just 17 months after losing his parliamentary seat in the last general election, reports The Telegraph.

In a scathing assessment of the current political landscape, Bradley declared that trust in both Labour and the Conservatives was “gone and not coming back.”

He pledged to “ensure that communities feel the benefit of voting for Reform” in his new role overseeing local government, signaling a fresh approach to tackling the issues faced by voters across the country.

Reform attracts over 20 former Conservative MPs, but not all welcomed

Bradley’s defection to Reform UK is the latest in a string of high-profile departures from the Conservatives, with more than 20 former Tory MPs having joined the party in recent months.

However, a Reform source previously told The Telegraph that not all defectors would be welcomed with open arms, suggesting that “washed-up” former Tories hoping to secure seats at the next election may be disappointed.

Bradley to spearhead ‘Doge’ efficiency campaign 

In his new role as head of local government action, Bradley will work alongside Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, on the party’s “Doge” efficiency campaign. The initiative aims to streamline council spending and deliver better value for money to taxpayers, drawing on Bradley’s experience as a former council leader and MP.

Bradley’s political journey has been marked by principled stances on key issues. As a former vice chairman of the Conservative Party under Theresa May, he resigned in opposition to her Chequers Brexit deal. During the pandemic, he also broke the Tory whip to vote against Boris Johnson’s plans for vaccine passports and compulsory vaccination for NHS staff.

Bradley is not the only former Conservative MP to have found a new home at Reform UK. He will be joining the ranks of Danny Kruger and Dame Andrea Jenkyns, both of whom are already working for the party, further strengthening its ties to disillusioned Tories seeking a fresh start in politics.

Bradley vows to deliver ‘real change’ 

Upon joining Reform UK, Bradley expressed his delight at the opportunity, saying, “I’m delighted to be joining Reform UK at a really important time, and to be part of delivering the real change that is desperately needed. Successive governments have failed to deliver for so many people, and have demonstrated that they’re unwilling to actually deliver on key promises to voters.”

He continued, “They have talked about being tough on crime, reducing immigration, about helping working people, whilst in practice they’ve failed to act and have delivered the opposite. The trust in those parties has gone, and it’s not coming back.”

Tice praises Bradley’s track record, says he will help deliver 

Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, lauded Bradley’s achievements as the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, stating that he had “delivered record investment, secured major funding for services, and achieved both budget savings and service improvements.”

Tice added, “Ben brings a wealth of experience as a former local authority leader and MP for Mansfield. His expertise will help us provide strong leadership and deliver real results for councils across the country.”

“In this role, Ben will support our council leaders and regional mayors. He will also work with me on our department of government efficiency – Doge – programme, helping Reform councils save money and improve services,” Tice concluded.

As Reform UK continues to attract disaffected Conservatives and position itself as a viable alternative to the two main parties, the addition of Ben Bradley to its ranks is likely to bolster the party’s credibility on local government issues.