A Reform UK councillor has defected to the Conservative Party, expressing discomfort with Nigel Farage's party. James Buchan, who represents the Stone House ward in Dartford, Kent, said he struggled with the party's anti-immigration policies, particularly plans to scrap indefinite leave to remain for non-EU residents.
Buchan, who won his seat in a July byelection, stated, 'I stood for election with the sole aim of working for my community and getting things done for local families. Having had the opportunity to see Reform from the inside, I’ve concluded that the party doesn’t really have the experience or ambition to do that.' He added that the policy on indefinite leave to remain created 'a huge amount of fear and anxiety' and could be 'devastating for decent people who have built a life here.'
A Reform source criticised the defection, saying, 'He got elected in July 2025 as a Reform councillor. He should resign his seat but he won’t because he knows he will lose under the Tory banner. We look forward to winning this seat back as soon as possible.' Dartford’s Conservative council leader, Jeremy Kite, welcomed Buchan, emphasising that 'getting elected isn’t about power, it’s about service and being supportive of people.'
The defection adds to recent pressures on Nigel Farage, including defending an MP who made racist remarks and a former party leader pleading guilty to bribery charges.
