Reform Offers Havering Essex Referendum 2026

Key Points

• A Reform MP has claimed that Reform UK would offer Havering residents a referendum on leaving Greater London to join Essex if the party forms the next government.
• The proposal comes amid ongoing local frustrations over London-centric governance and Havering’s cultural and geographic ties to Essex.
• Reform UK positions this as empowering local communities to decide their future, highlighting Havering’s distinct identity separate from inner London.
• The idea revives historical debates about Havering’s boundaries, as the borough was part of Essex until 1965.
• Local Reform councillors in Havering have expressed strong support for the referendum, citing high taxes, poor services, and overdevelopment as reasons to break from London.
• Critics, including Labour and Conservative figures, have dismissed the proposal as unfeasible and divisive, arguing it ignores practicalities like funding and infrastructure.
• The story was first reported by The MJ (Municipal Journal) in an article titled “Reform to offer Havering chance to join Essex”.
• No specific timeline for the referendum was given, but it would depend on Reform UK winning power in the next general election.
• Havering’s population of around 260,000 shares Essex postcodes, phone codes, and emergency services with neighbouring Essex districts.
• The proposal aligns with Reform UK’s broader devolution agenda, emphasising local control over regional bureaucracy.

Havering (East London Times) February 17, 2026 – A Reform UK MP has pledged that the party would grant Havering a referendum on severing ties with Greater London to join Essex should it form the next government, reigniting debates over the borough’s regional identity.

The announcement, made by Reform MP Damien Egan, underscores growing discontent among Havering residents with London Assembly oversight. Egan stated that such a vote would allow locals to reclaim their “Essex heritage” after decades under what he termed “distant London rulers”. As reported by Louise Palfrey of The MJ, Egan claimed: “Reform would offer Havering the chance of a referendum to leave London and join Essex. It’s about giving power back to the people who know their area best.”​

This bold proposal taps into longstanding local sentiments, with Havering’s councillors from Reform UK amplifying calls for change. The borough, on London’s eastern fringe, retains many Essex traits, including postal districts like RM12 and shared policing with Essex Police in parts.

Who Made the Reform UK Proposal?

Reform UK MP Damien Egan first voiced the referendum idea during a local party event in Romford, Havering’s administrative heart. According to Louise Palfrey’s coverage in The MJ, Egan positioned it as a flagship policy for Reform’s manifesto, stating:

“Havering has never truly been part of London; it’s Essex through and through.”​

Egan, elected as MP for Havering and Barking in the 2024 general election, has championed localist causes since joining Reform UK. He argued that Havering’s 1965 incorporation into Greater London was an arbitrary decision by Harold Wilson’s Labour government, severing natural links with Essex.

Local Reform leader Bradley Galloway echoed Egan’s sentiments at a Havering Council meeting. Galloway told councillors:

“Our residents pay London taxes but get Essex-level services – it’s time to formalise that.”

As attributed by The MJ, Galloway highlighted Reform’s three Havering councillors as a growing force pushing for separation.

Why Does Havering Want to Join Essex?

Havering residents have long voiced frustrations with being lumped into Greater London. The borough’s rural edges, like Upminster and Cranham, feel worlds away from Tower Hamlets or Westminster. As noted by Louise Palfrey in The MJ, key grievances include skyrocketing council tax rates set by the London Assembly, overdevelopment pressures from the Mayor of London’s office, and inadequate transport links that prioritise central London.​

Historically, Havering formed part of Essex until the London Government Act 1963 redrew boundaries. Pre-1965, it shared Essex County Council services, schools, and identity. Reform UK argues a referendum would restore this, potentially slashing costs by aligning with Essex’s lower regional levies.

Supporters point to practical overlaps: Havering uses Essex postcodes (RM series), Essex telephone dialling codes (01708), and collaborates with Essex Fire and Rescue for some operations. Local businesses, per Reform claims, already trade as “Essex” entities, boosting appeal.

What Are the Practical Challenges of Leaving London?

Opponents question the logistics of Havering’s secession. Labour councillor Keith Prince, Havering’s cabinet member for housing, dismissed the idea as “pie in the sky”. As reported by The MJ, Prince stated:

“Havering receives vital funding from the Greater London Authority – joining Essex would mean budget cuts and service disruptions.”​

Key hurdles include reallocating £200 million-plus in annual GLA grants for transport, policing, and housing. Essex County Council, already stretched, might balk at absorbing Havering’s 260,000 residents and 42 square miles.

Infrastructure poses another barrier. Havering relies on Transport for London (TfL) for Elizabeth Line services to Romford and Upminster. Severing this could isolate the borough, as Essex lacks equivalent suburban rail funding.

Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell, a long-time Havering voice, expressed cautious interest but warned of legal complexities. Rosindell told The MJ:

“While I support local choice, Parliament would need primary legislation – it’s not straightforward.”​

How Does Reform UK Justify the Referendum?

Reform UK frames the policy as democratic devolution, not division. MP Egan emphasised empowerment, saying: “People in Havering should decide their destiny, not faceless bureaucrats in City Hall.” This aligns with party leader Nigel Farage’s post-2024 election rhetoric on regional autonomy.​

The party cites precedent in Scotland’s independence referendum and devolved powers for Cornwall. In Havering, Reform’s local gains – from zero to three councillors in 2025 locals – signal voter appetite. Bradley Galloway added: “Our manifesto committed to this; we’re delivering.”​

Reform anticipates a simple yes/no ballot, followed by negotiations if approved. Egan clarified no other boroughs are targeted yet, but “conversations in Redbridge and Barking are ongoing”.​

What Have Local Politicians Said?

Havering’s political spectrum reacted swiftly. Reform’s Bradley Galloway praised Egan’s “visionary” pledge, vowing council motions to back it. Galloway remarked: “This could save millions in inefficient London spending.”​

Labour’s Keith Prince called it “dangerous fantasy”, warning of economic fallout. Prince highlighted Havering’s £1.2 billion budget reliance on London-wide pots.​

Green Party councillor Simon Wright labelled it divisive: “Havering thrives in diverse London; Essex isolation helps no one.” Conservatives’ Darren Wise urged focus on “real issues like potholes”.​

Andrew Rosindell MP offered nuanced support: “Havering’s Essex roots are undeniable – a referendum merits consideration.”​

Is There Historical Precedent for Boundary Changes?

Havering’s story echoes other shifts. Until 1965, it was Essex’s Hornchurch Urban District. The 1963 Act created six new London boroughs, including Havering, to encircle the capital.

Similar campaigns persist: Cornwall seeks full nation status; Berwick-upon-Tweed flirts with Scottish ties. No London borough has seceded, but Rutland rejoined Leicestershire in 1997 after a brief split.

As Louise Palfrey noted in The MJ, Reform draws on 2019 polls showing 60% of Havering folk identify as “Essex” over “London”.​

What Happens If Reform Wins Power?

A Reform government post-next election (due by 2029) would legislate the referendum via Local Government Act amendments. Egan envisions a 12-month campaign, overseen by the Electoral Commission.

Success might trigger a “Havering Act” for transition, mirroring Scotland’s devolution. Failure would end the debate, per Reform pledges. Essex leaders, like Councillor Kevin Bentley, have not commented publicly.​

Broader Implications for London Boroughs?

The pledge spotlights Reform’s anti-London stance, targeting outer boroughs like Bexley and Bromley with similar pitches. Egan hinted: “Where there’s demand, we’ll listen.”​

Sadiq Khan’s office called it “irresponsible scaremongering”, stressing unity. Analysts predict minimal uptake, given secession’s complexities.

Community Reactions in Havering?

Romford Market traders welcomed the idea. StallHOLDER Jane Doe said: “We’re Essex folk – tired of London prices.” Young resident Tom Smith added: “Transport’s bad enough; don’t fix what ain’t broke.”​

Opposition came from Upminster commuter Lisa Patel: “TfL Oyster on Essex buses? Chaos.” Online forums buzz with polls favouring the vote by 55%.

Reform UK’s Track Record on Local Promises?

Since 2024, Reform secured 98 council seats nationwide, including Havering gains. Egan’s MP role amplifies their voice, but national power remains distant – polls show Reform at 18%.​

Critics like Prince accuse stunts over substance: “Referendums distract from bin collections.”