Former leader of Conservatives in Brighton & Hove defects to Reform UK

Steve Bell CBE, the former leader of the Conservative Group on Brighton & Hove City Council, has officially joined Reform UK, citing ideological disillusionment with the modern Conservative Party. Bell, who served as councillor for Woodingdean from 2015 to 2023, said the Conservatives had “abandoned their principles” and become “Labour-lite.” 

“After 58 years of supporting the Conservatives, I have now joined Reform,” he said. “People often ask me why I’ve left the party but the answer is simple: I haven’t changed - they have," he said in a statement.

Bell’s move comes as Reform UK continues to attract attention for its hardline stances on cultural and social issues, particularly around LGBTQ+ rights. The party, led by Nigel Farage, has faced criticism for its policies outlined in its manifesto, Our Contract with You, which includes pledges to ban gender-affirming practices in schools, enforce single-sex facilities, and remove Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DE&I) roles from public services. 

In a particularly controversial move, Reform UK has banned the flying of Pride flags in all councils it controls. The party now governs ten councils across England, including Kent, Durham, and Nottinghamshire.

The ban has sparked backlash from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and opposition MPs, who argue it undermines visibility and inclusivity. Labour MP James Frith criticised the timing of the ban, which coincided with VE Day, saying it “speaks volumes” about Reform’s priorities. 

Despite the controversy, Bell expressed enthusiasm for Reform UK’s platform, describing it as “true centre-right” and praising its focus on low taxes, small government, and national pride. “For the first time in many years, I feel a renewed spring in my step,” he said.

Writing on social media, Labour's Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: "At Reform’s Party conference this week they welcomed and platformed a woman convicted of inciting racial hatred with open arms. A conspiracy theorist also took the main stage spreading dangerous disinformation. 

"And now we see Brighton Conservatives thick as thieves with Reform. 

"In 2027 we’ll be campaigning to rid Brighton & Hove of elected Conservative representatives and to prevent Reform gaining any ground."