In a surprising turn within the UK’s Reform Party, Welsh far-right activist Richard Taylor has officially exited the party, citing growing conflicts over senior members’ divergent views regarding “Tommy Robinson,” the controversial activist and former English Defence League leader. The departure marks a schism within Reform UK, as figures like Taylor express frustration over what they perceive as an insufficiently strong stance by party leaders in support of Robinson.
Richard Taylor, a figure known for his shifting political affiliations, has previously run for both Westminster and the Senedd under different right-wing platforms, including the Brexit Party and the Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party. Despite his local popularity in Blaenau Gwent, Taylor’s political journey has been punctuated by controversies, including his past as a self-proclaimed reformed criminal and pastor, as well as allegations related to his time in religious leadership roles.
Taylor’s endorsement of Robinson has set him at odds with some high-profile Reform members who are distancing themselves from figures associated with far-right rhetoric. In particular, Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, publicly stated that the party “wants nothing to do with Tommy Robinson,” sparking backlash from factions within the party who feel that Robinson’s supporters represent core Reform voters.
Meanwhile, party members such as Howard Cox, a previous Reform London mayoral candidate, and former co-deputy leader Ben Habib, have expressed discontent with the party’s official distancing from Robinson. Cox voiced his concerns during an interview on GB News, stating his belief that Robinson should not be imprisoned and criticizing Tice’s remarks as overly harsh.
Taylor’s decision to leave Reform UK appears aligned with his search for a platform that will prioritize the voices he champions. Sources suggest that Taylor’s recent move to Llanelli may signal his intent to join UKIP, potentially marking his fourth party affiliation in recent years.
This departure from Reform UK underscores the ongoing ideological tug-of-war within the party, raising questions about the long-term direction Reform will take as it seeks to appeal to a broad but fractured voter base.
