Suspended Reform UK member vows to fight to remain in party
Tim Montgomerie says his appeal will be a test of whether the party can tolerate free speech.
Political commentator Tim Montgomerie plans to challenge his suspension from Reform UK following criticism of senior party members in interviews. Montgomerie, a right-of-center commentator who defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK in 2024, claims his appeal against the suspension is a test of whether the party tolerates free speech and dissent.
The party affirmed his suspension aligns with its rules after public criticism he made. Montgomerie has expressed frustration with party leader Nigel Farage's tone after the Clacton by-election and criticized another senior figure, Zia Yusuf, on a podcast. His suspension is believed to have occurred after the podcast's recording, yet before its release.
"I am going to fight this suspension. I want to stay in Reform," Montgomerie stated to BBC Newsnight. "I didn't leave the Conservative Party lightly. I think Reform can reach parts of the country that the Conservative Party never will be able to." Despite his support for Reform's policies on immigration and welfare, Montgomerie has highlighted internal tensions in the party, stating he was only trying to make it better and stronger with his public criticisms.
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