Key Points
- Keith Prince, an experienced London Assembly member and Havering councillor, has defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK.
- Prince has been associated with the Conservatives for nearly five decades and served as leader of Havering Council until 2014.
- His defection makes him the first Reform UK councillor in Havering, and expands Reform UK’s representation in the London Assembly to two members.
- The switch enables Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, to form an official group within the Assembly for the first time, granting greater committee representation.
- This move comes shortly before the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester and follows the recent defection of Conservative MP Danny Kruger to Reform UK.
- Current Assembly composition: Labour 11, Conservatives 7, Greens 3, Liberal Democrats 2, Reform UK.
- Prince’s departure follows his earlier decision to stand down as Conservative Group Leader on Havering Council, citing personal and professional changes.
- No statements from the local Conservative Party have yet responded directly to the defection at the time of reporting.
In a major political development in east London, Keith Prince—longtime Conservative and serving councillor for Havering—has announced his defection to Reform UK, becoming both the first Reform councillor in Havering and helping his new party secure official group status within the London Assembly. The switch comes as both local and national political landscapes shift ahead of the Conservative Party Conference.
What is Keith Prince’s Political Background?
As reported by BBC News, Keith Prince has been an active figure in local government and Conservative politics for almost five decades. Prince led Havering Council in east London until 2014, and since 2016 has represented the dual constituency of Havering and Redbridge in the London Assembly, reinforcing his reputation as a senior voice in regional politics.
What Reasons Did Prince Give for His Move?
In January 2025, Prince cited evolving “personal and professional circumstances” when stepping down as Conservative Group Leader in Havering, stating to the Havering Daily that he could no longer dedicate sufficient time to the role. At the time, he added,
“now was the best time to stand down so that a new Group Leader would be able to put their personal stamp on any Budget amendment, something which will form a central part of the manifesto going forward”.
His fresh defection to Reform UK has not yet been accompanied by a public, detailed personal statement explaining the decision; however, it follows mounting turbulence within the conservative ranks as multiple high-profile politicians part ways with the party.
How Does Prince’s Defection Change the Assembly?
BBC News notes Reform UK has now reached two London Assembly Members AMs for the first time, granting them eligibility to form an official party group. This enables Reform UK—under Nigel Farage’s leadership—to claim a share of committee seats and have a larger voice in holding the mayor of London to account.
What Is the Current Assembly Political Makeup?
According to BBC News, following Prince’s switch, the Assembly comprises:
- Labour: 11 AMs
- Conservative: 7 AMs
- Green: 3 AMs
- Liberal Democrats: 2 AMs
- Reform UK: 2 AMs
This reorganisation refreshes party dynamics in regional politics, with Reform UK’s ascendancy providing new opposition and scrutiny options.
What Has Been the Response from Reform UK?
While no direct statement from Nigel Farage or senior party figures has yet appeared in public sources by press time, the BBC highlights that Reform UK had positioned Prince’s defection as a coup, given his seniority, and as a reinforcement of their growing appeal among disaffected Conservative politicians. The party recently welcomed Conservative MP Danny Kruger, intensifying speculation about broader Conservative backbench unrest.
Has the Conservative Party Commented?
No immediate reaction from the local Havering Conservatives has been published at the time of writing. Earlier, following Prince’s resignation as Group Leader, Conservative colleagues expressed support and unity, with Cllr Michael White taking over leadership unanimously. Whether this mood holds following the latest defection will be the subject of keen local speculation.
Who Else Has Defected to Reform UK Lately?
According to the Wikipedia entry for Reform UK, the party has seen a string of high-profile defections in 2025, including Conservative MP Danny Kruger and several other former Cabinet members and MPs in recent months. This trend is seen as indicative of growing turbulence within the Conservative Party and an emboldening of Reform UK’s bid to position itself as a principal challenger in centre-right British politics.
Will There Be Further Defections?
With political allegiances shifting and Reform UK’s status now reinforced in the Assembly, senior political correspondents suggest other defections are possible in the lead-up to the next round of London’s local elections, as politicians seek both ideological alignment and practical influence within an evolving political spectrum.
What Will Councillor Prince’s Immediate Priorities Be?
No official statement has yet been released by Keith Prince outlining detailed policy priorities as a Reform UK member. As of his last published statements, Prince signalled a desire for renewed fiscal discipline and administrative reform—a stance likely to continue as he steps into his new party colours.
