Tim Montgomerie Quits Reform UK, Urges Farage To ‘Get A

Political commentator Tim Montgomerie has announced his resignation from Reform UK, urging party leader Nigel Farage to "get a grip" of the party. Montgomerie, who defected from the Conservative Party 18 months ago, had been suspended from Reform last month following criticisms he made of senior figures.

His decision to quit came after a conversation on Tuesday with Reform&#39s party chair, Lee Anderson. Montgomerie told the BBC, "I think they wanted me back in the party but meekly, and I wasn&#39t prepared to do that."

Criticism of Party Direction and Leadership

Montgomerie stated that he still intends to support Reform but wishes the party would be "more like Reform and less like the AfD," referring to Germany&#39s far-right Alternative for Deutschland party. The AfD recently achieved a significant victory in Germany&#39s eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt and advocates for a controversial "remigration" plan, widely understood to mean mass deportations of migrants.

He called for Nigel Farage to "lead the party" and professionalise it, particularly in the wake of recent controversial demonstrations against migrants. Montgomerie specifically named Reform&#39s home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, stating, "for the sake of his legacy and the sake of decency he needs to sort it out, and bring people like Zia [Yusuf] under control." According to HuffPost UK, Montgomerie previously told a Spectator podcast that Yusuf was not a "team player."

Montgomerie&#39s Background and Reform&#39s Future

Tim Montgomerie had a long career as a Tory adviser and commentator before joining Reform, including running the ConservativeHome website. He said he was "feeling very sad" and "battered" by the situation. After news of his suspension emerged last month, he released a video statement on X asserting his belief in Reform&#39s policies and membership, stating his public criticisms were aimed at making the party "better and stronger."

Reflecting on Reform&#39s trajectory, Montgomerie believes the party is "at a junction." He noted, "They haven&#39t replaced the Conservatives which was plan A. I fear a battle of attrition between the two parties which will helps no one. The real danger now on the fight for political turf is that they go after sectional interests." He questioned, "Does Reform want to be a party of government or does it want to stand at the edge and just change the debate?"

A Reform UK spokesman issued a brief statement, saying: "We wish Tim the best for the future and thank him for his support."

FAQ

• Q: Why did Tim Montgomerie resign from Reform UK?
• A: He resigned after being suspended for criticising senior figures and stated he was not prepared to return "meekly" to the party, according to the BBC.
• Q: What criticisms did he make regarding Reform UK&#39s leadership?
• A: Montgomerie urged Nigel Farage to "get a grip" of the party, professionalise it, and bring Home Affairs Spokesman Zia Yusuf "under control." He also advocated for Reform to be less like Germany&#39s far-right AfD.
• Q: What was Montgomerie&#39s political background before joining Reform UK?
• A: He had a long career as a Conservative Party adviser and commentator, including running the ConservativeHome website, before defecting to Reform 18 months ago.