Reform UK Pledges Havering Referendum to Join Essex 2026

Key Points

• A Reform UK MP has pledged to offer Havering residents a referendum on leaving Greater London to rejoin Essex as a self-governing unitary authority if Reform UK forms the next government.​​
• Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK earlier this year, made the announcement at a Reform UK rally in Romford on Monday, February 16, 2026.​
• Rosindell stated that Havering is “geographically, historically and culturally Essex” and emphasised: “We are not east London, we are Essex.”​​
• The proposal requires new legislation to detach Havering from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and City Hall oversight, allowing it to “break free of the Mayor of London.”​​
• Under a Reform UK government led by Nigel Farage as Prime Minister, residents would vote on whether to remain part of London or become a self-governing unitary authority in Essex.​​
• Rosindell has long campaigned for Havering’s reconnection with Essex, citing issues like insufficient policing, opposition to ULEZ expansion, planning interference from Mayor Sadiq Khan, and cultural disconnection from inner London.
• Havering was absorbed into Greater London in 1965 via the London Government Act 1963, severing its historic Essex ties.​​
• The pledge aligns with Reform UK’s broader devolution agenda, emphasising local control over services, finances, and identity.​​
• Rosindell defected to Reform UK last month (January 2026), becoming the seventh MP to do so, stating the Conservatives have “failed Romford and the country” and that “radical change” is needed under Nigel Farage.​
• Previous calls by Rosindell include a 2025 House of Commons adjournment debate and business questions urging debate on Havering’s inclusion in a devolved Essex authority.
• Local sentiment in Romford, Hornchurch, and Upminster identifies strongly with Essex, with complaints of subsidising inner London without adequate services.​

Romford (East London Times) February 19, 2026 – Andrew Rosindell, the Romford MP who defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK last month, pledged at a Reform UK rally that Havering residents would hold a referendum on leaving Greater London to join Essex as a self-governing unitary authority if Nigel Farage leads the next government.​​

This bold proposal, delivered to an enthusiastic crowd in Romford, positions Reform UK as champions of local identity against metropolitan bureaucracy. Rosindell framed it as restoring Havering’s historic roots, declaring it “not east London” but Essex.​

Who Is Andrew Rosindell and Why His Defection to Reform UK?

Andrew Rosindell has represented Romford for over 24 years, initially as a Conservative MP before defecting to Reform UK in January 2026. As reported by The Havering Daily, Rosindell stated:

“Romford and our country needs radical change and I believe that Nigel is the only one to lead Britain.”​​

His switch marks him as London’s first Reform MP and the seventh overall defector, driven by perceived Conservative failures. Rosindell has consistently advocated for Havering’s Essex reconnection, including in a May 2025 Commons adjournment debate where he criticised the 1963 London Government Act’s “outdated, bureaucratic structures.”​

In March 2025 business questions, as per his YouTube statement, Rosindell urged debate on Havering’s consultation for a Mayoral Combined County Authority in Essex, noting residents’ Essex identity and subsidisation of inner London without services.​

What Exactly Did Rosindell Say at the Romford Rally?

At the Reform UK rally on February 16, 2026, Rosindell told supporters:

“To change Havering’s status within Greater London and restoring our independence from City Hall will require legislation.”​

He continued:

“So, the next Reform UK Government under Prime Minister Nigel Farage…will give Havering a choice, a choice to break free of the Mayor of London and become a self-governing unitary authority once again.”​​

As covered by The MJ, Rosindell claimed Havering residents “would get a choice on remaining part of London or joining Essex as a ‘self-governing unitary authority’.” The East London Times reported his emphatic rally cry:

“We are not east London, we are Essex.”​

Why Does Havering Seek to Identify with Essex Over London?

Rosindell has long argued Havering is “geographically, historically and culturally Essex,” per East London Times coverage of his Commons speech. He highlighted diminished identity under the GLA, lack of police presence, ULEZ opposition, and planning interference from Mayor Sadiq Khan.

In Evening Standard reporting, Rosindell noted:

“Romford is geographically Essex. We are historically Essex. We are culturally Essex and our social, sporting and commercial connections have always looked towards the county of Essex.”

Residents in Romford, Upminster, and Collier Row feel culturally aligned with Essex, not inner London.​

What Legislation Would Enable Havering’s Departure?

Rosindell specified new parliamentary legislation to detach Havering from Greater London, as stated at the rally. This would reverse its 1965 inclusion via the London Government Act 1963.​

The process mirrors devolution referendums, leading to unitary status with unified local powers, bypassing City Hall. Essex County Council could reintegrate services like policing, planning, and transport.​​

Who Decides Havering’s Future – Residents or Reform UK?

Under the proposal, Havering residents would vote directly: remain Londoners or rejoin Essex. Rosindell pledged:

“Havering residents would get a choice to remain Londoners or rejoin Essex.”​​

Tied to Reform UK forming government with Farage as PM, it empowers locals post-legislation. This borough-scale vote echoes Scottish independence but focuses on administrative realignment.​​

What Is Reform UK’s Vision for Local Governance?

Reform UK’s pledge fits its decentralisation push from Westminster and City Hall. Rosindell invoked Farage’s leadership for “tailored solutions” like Havering’s vote.​​

The party promises community sovereignty over services and finances, addressing “metropolitan elite” grievances. Success could template other outer boroughs like Bexley.​

Details of the Romford Rally and Local Reactions?

The February 16 rally in Romford drew supportive crowds, with cheers for Rosindell’s Essex narrative. As per East London Times, the atmosphere was electric amid Reform’s 2026 momentum.​​

Local reactions are emerging positively among supporters, though Havering Council and Labour opponents have yet to respond fully. Essex leaders may welcome expansion.​

How Would This Impact City Hall and Mayor of London?

Detachment challenges GLA oversight on transport (TfL), policing, and planning. Rosindell targets “breaking free of the Mayor of London,” potentially fragmenting London’s structure.

Havering’s exit could renegotiate services, inspiring waves of independence bids. Mayor Sadiq Khan’s policies like ULEZ fuel opposition.​

Could This Trigger More Borough Independence Movements?

Rosindell’s vow provides a model for Essex-border areas. Precedents like Buckinghamshire’s unitary shift exist, but national legislation is key.​

Reform UK’s rise elevates such campaigns from fringe to policy plank. Outer borough discontent over inner London subsidisation may amplify calls.​

Historical Context of Havering’s Ties?

Havering joined Greater London in 1965, ending Essex administration. Rosindell seeks to “restore independence,” tapping decades-old sentiments.​​

Past debates, like Rosindell’s 2025 efforts, coincide with national reforms under Deputy PM Angela Rayner.