In a surprising turn of events, Robbie Lammas, the former deputy leader of Reform UK on Medway Council, has stepped down from the party just months after defecting from the Conservatives. In a candid reflection on his political journey, he described the switch as “the biggest mistake of my life” and has expressed a desire to rejoin the Conservative Party.
A Rapid Turnaround
Lammas made headlines when he switched allegiance to Reform UK in October 2025, declaring the Conservative Party “over” amid a lack of policy announcements and commitment to leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However, just eight months later, his enthusiasm has waned. “I’ve had enough,” he told the BBC. “I feel I’ve been misled.”
His disillusionment stems from what he perceives as ineffective governance within Reform UK, which he claims excels at “spin” but falls short in practical leadership. Lammas recalled feeling used by the party during his defection, believing he would be welcomed quietly rather than as a prominent figure.
Apologies and Regrets
In a heartfelt message, Lammas reached out to Kemi Badenoch, the current Conservative Party leader, to express his regrets. “I left the party I love because I thought it was over,” he explained. “Kemi has turned it around,” he added, acknowledging the revitalisation of Conservative policies.
Despite his departure, Lammas believes he is not alone in his feelings of remorse. He mentioned that other former Reform members share his sentiments but are hesitant to voice them publicly. “I’m happy to admit I’ve made a big mistake,” he stated, emphasising the weight of his decision.
Reform UK Faces Challenges
The fallout from Lammas’s resignation comes at a challenging time for Reform UK. A spokesperson for the party noted that Lammas had previously faced suspension due to conduct issues and had applied for a role within the organisation, which he was subsequently denied. Reform UK has recently celebrated wins in local elections, now controlling over 30 councils, yet they have also seen a reduction of 15 councillors from their ranks since May’s elections due to various resignations.
The party is currently preparing for a crucial by-election in Makerfield against Labour’s Andy Burnham. Polls indicate a tight race, with Burnham holding a narrow lead at 46 per cent, while Reform’s candidate, Robert Kenyon, follows closely at 41 per cent. The presence of Restore Britain’s Rebecca Shepherd, polling at around 7 per cent, could complicate matters further, potentially affecting Kenyon’s chances.
Why it Matters
Lammas’s resignation underscores the ongoing turbulence within Reform UK and highlights the broader instability in British politics. As defections and regrets become increasingly common, the implications of such shifts could resonate far beyond party lines, influencing voter perceptions and strategies as the political landscape continues to evolve. This incident serves as a reminder that loyalty in politics can be fleeting and that the struggle for effective governance remains a central issue for many parties.
