Nigel Farage in Romford: New Era Declared 2026

Key Points

• Romford MP Andrew Rosindell declared “today marks a new era for Romford” during a visit by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
• Former Conservative councillors Christine Vickery and Robert Benham defected to Reform UK, shifting Havering’s local political landscape.
• The visit positions Reform UK ahead of May’s local elections, with the party preparing a strong local presence.
• Reform UK’s judicial review against the Government over postponed local elections succeeded, with several elections now proceeding as scheduled, described as a victory for democracy.
• Nigel Farage addressed residents, stating: “What price is freedom, what price is liberty. We have the biggest membership in the country and are capable and able to be ready for the local elections.”
• Outside Havering Town Hall, defecting councillors, party representatives, Andrew Rosindell, and Nigel Farage stood with placards.
• Farage remarked: “Eighteen months ago I said we would replace the Conservative Party and here we are in Romford doing that. We have previously lacked experience and with people like Andrew, Keith and these local councillors we now have that experience.”
• On Havering’s debt and financial pressures, Farage said: “We cannot come overnight and cancel debt here in Havering. But what we can do is look at how to slim down and make the council more efficient.”
• Farage on Greater London Authority: “In 1965 London doubled in size and Havering found itself in Greater London, now it has found itself living under Mayor Khan, I would suggest to you that not a lot of people living in Romford are happy about that and clearly we need a debate here.”
• Farage and Rosindell later attended an evening event at City Limits with local supporters and party members.

Romford, Havering (East London Times) February 17, 2026 – Romford witnessed a significant political moment yesterday as Andrew Rosindell, Member of Parliament for Romford, declared “today marks a new era for Romford” while standing alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during a high-profile visit to the town. The event followed the defection of former Conservative councillors Christine Vickery and Robert Benham to Reform UK, signalling a notable shift in Havering’s local political dynamics ahead of May’s local elections. Party representatives emphasised Reform UK’s preparations for a robust local presence, amid ongoing legal victories over election timings.​

Who Joined Nigel Farage in Romford?

Andrew Rosindell, the Reform UK MP for Romford, hosted Nigel Farage MP during the visit, standing side by side outside Havering Town Hall with defecting councillors Christine Vickery and Robert Benham. Party representatives also joined, holding placards to underscore the party’s expanding footprint in the borough. As reported in the initial coverage from the East London Times, this gathering highlighted Reform UK’s growing momentum in Havering.

Why Did the Councillors Defect to Reform UK?

Christine Vickery and Robert Benham, previously Conservative councillors, announced their defection to Reform UK just prior to Farage’s arrival, marking a pivotal change in the borough’s political landscape. This move aligns with Reform UK’s strategy to challenge established parties locally. The East London Times noted that the defections bolstered Reform’s position as it eyes May’s elections.

What Legal Victory Preceded the Visit?

Reform UK’s judicial review against the Government over the postponement of certain local elections proved successful, with the Government confirming that several delayed polls would proceed as originally scheduled. Reform UK hailed this as a triumph for democratic accountability and process. According to reports from the East London Times, the outcome came shortly before Farage’s Romford appearance, energising party supporters.

What Did Nigel Farage Say to Residents?

Speaking directly to Romford residents, Nigel Farage MP declared:

“What price is freedom, what price is liberty. We have the biggest membership in the country and are capable and able to be ready for the local elections.”

He further asserted:

“Eighteen months ago I said we would replace the Conservative Party and here we are in Romford doing that. We have previously lacked experience and with people like Andrew, Keith and these local councillors we now have that experience.”

These statements, as covered by the East London Times, reflected Reform UK’s confidence in its organisational strength.

How Does Reform UK Plan to Tackle Havering’s Finances?

When questioned on the borough’s mounting debt and financial strains, Nigel Farage responded:

“We cannot come overnight and cancel debt here in Havering. But what we can do is look at how to slim down and make the council more efficient.”

This pragmatic approach, reported verbatim by the East London Times, underscores Reform UK’s focus on operational efficiencies rather than immediate fiscal overhauls.

Should Havering Leave Greater London Authority?

Addressing concerns about Havering’s place within Greater London, Nigel Farage MP stated:

“In 1965 London doubled in size and Havering found itself in Greater London, now it has found itself living under Mayor Khan, I would suggest to you that not a lot of people living in Romford are happy about that and clearly we need a debate here.”

This call for discussion, directly quoted in East London Times coverage, taps into local sentiments regarding Sadiq Khan’s mayoralty.

What Happened Outside Havering Town Hall?

Outside Havering Town Hall, Andrew Rosindell MP, Nigel Farage MP, the defecting councillors Christine Vickery and Robert Benham, and other party figures assembled with placards. The visual display served to project Reform UK’s strengthening hold in the area. Eyewitness accounts in the East London Times described the scene as a clear signal of the party’s local ambitions.

Who is Andrew Rosindell in This Context?

Andrew Rosindell, Romford’s Member of Parliament and a key Reform UK figure, proclaimed the visit as heralding “a new era for Romford.” He collaborated closely with Farage throughout the day, including at the evening gathering. The East London Times attributed this optimistic declaration directly to Rosindell during the joint appearance.

What Evening Event Occurred?

Following daytime engagements, Nigel Farage joined Andrew Rosindell at City Limits for an evening occasion, where they met with local supporters and Reform UK members. This follow-up fostered direct engagement with the community. Coverage from the East London Times confirmed the event as a capstone to the day’s activities.

How Does This Fit Reform UK’s Broader Strategy?

Reform UK is positioning itself aggressively for May’s local elections, leveraging the largest membership in the country and newfound local expertise from figures like Andrew Rosindell, Keith (as referenced by Farage), and the defectors. The Romford visit exemplifies efforts to supplant Conservatives, as Farage noted eighteen months prior. Party statements to the East London Times emphasise readiness and a strong borough presence.

What Context Surrounds Havering’s Political Shift?

Havering’s inclusion in Greater London since 1965 has fuelled debates, particularly under Mayor Sadiq Khan, with Farage highlighting resident dissatisfaction. Financial pressures, including debt, compound local challenges, prompting calls for efficiency. The East London Times wove these threads into its reporting, capturing the multifaceted backdrop.

Who Are Christine Vickery and Robert Benham?

Christine Vickery and Robert Benham served as Conservative councillors before switching allegiance to Reform UK, bringing valuable local experience. Their defection, timed with Farage’s visit, amplified Reform’s credibility. Detailed in East London Times accounts, their move represents a tangible gain for the party.

What Role Did Placards Play?

Placards borne by councillors and representatives outside the Town Hall visually reinforced Reform UK’s message during the public stand-off with Farage and Rosindell. This tactical element drew attention to the defections and electoral preparations. The East London Times documented this as a key visual from the event.

Is Reform UK Ready for Local Elections?

Nigel Farage affirmed Reform UK’s preparedness, citing its membership size and gained expertise:

“We have the biggest membership in the country and are capable and able to be ready for the local elections.”

This self-assurance, per East London Times, follows the judicial review win and defections.