Lib Dem MP Says Reform Cornwall ‘In Chaos’ After Seventh Exit

Another one gone. That makes seven.

Reform UK has lost yet another Cornwall Councillor, the seventh to walk away from the party since the 2025 local elections, and the Liberal Democrats have wasted no time in twisting the knife.

North Cornwall’s Liberal Democrat MP, Ben Maguire, said Reform UK in Cornwall is “descending even further into chaos” following the resignation of Cllr. Jamie Hanlon. It is the most recent flashpoint in what has been months of turbulence for the party’s Cornwall group.

A pattern of resignations and defections

The latest exit adds to a run of instability that has dogged Reform since its councillors took their seats. There have been repeated resignations, defections, and breakaways across the months that followed the election.

Things came to a head earlier when five Reform councillors quit the group all at once, pointing to interference from Reform HQ as the reason. Now, with Cllr. Hanlon’s resignation, Cornwall residents are watching another internal power struggle play out.

“Not just a Cornwall problem”

Ben said the situation locally reflects what is happening to Reform elsewhere in the country. He pointed to public rows and internal turmoil in areas including Kent and Leicestershire, as well as councillors resigning or facing criticism over inappropriate remarks and offensive comments in places such as Sunderland.

The North Cornwall MP argued that these repeated controversies raise serious questions about whether Reform UK is fit to govern at any level.

Commenting, Ben said:

“Reform UK in Cornwall is in chaos yet again. Since the 2025 elections they have now lost a staggering seven of their elected Councillors, with a constant stream of resignations, defections, and infighting. It is becoming increasingly clear that Reform cannot function as a coherent group on Cornwall Council.

“And this is not just a Cornwall problem. Across the country, Reform seems to be lurching from one controversy to another. These incidents raise very serious questions about whether Reform UK is fit to govern anywhere.

“Cornish residents deserve local champions focused on the issues that matter most to people: fixing our health services, tackling the housing crisis, improving transport, supporting farmers, and protecting our coastline. Instead, Reform councillors appear far more interested in fighting amongst themselves than fighting for Cornwall.

“People across North Cornwall are increasingly turning away from populism and political point-scoring, and towards practical, community-driven politics that delivers real progress for local people. Liberal Democrat councillors are getting on with the job and working hard for their communities every single day.”