Conservative councillor and Express columnist Mieka Smiles has set out why she would never consider joining Reform UK, despite her respect for Nigel Farage and agreement with some party policies. Writing for the Express, Smiles said the lack of a clear underlying philosophy and reliance on a single charismatic leader make the party unsustainable.
Why I won't join Reform
Smiles said the question of joining Reform is a "crisis topic" she had kept in reserve. She acknowledged her respect for Farage and agreement with some policies, but said her answer remains "an unequivocal no." She credited former Prime Minister John Major with convincing her to explain her reasoning. Major recently branded Reform a "ragbag" and warned against building a party on negativity alone, questioning the party's actual purpose.
Smiles contrasted Reform with the Conservatives, saying that when she walks into a room of Tories, they share guiding principles: personal responsibility, less government control, free markets, respect for traditions, law and order, and cautious change. In contrast, she said, "Aside from reducing immigration and scrapping net zero climate policies, I struggle to identify the broader philosophy that binds Reform together."
Cracks are showing
Smiles pointed to a growing number of councillors quitting Reform, citing infighting and a "breathtaking" ignorance about local government. She referenced Cllr Robbie Lammas, a Medway Council member who left the Conservatives for Reform in October 2025 but has since quit, claiming there is no autonomy and everything is run from headquarters. Smiles agreed, saying, "Nigel is Reform and Reform is Nigel."
She argued that proper politics requires more than a charismatic leader: parties need clear beliefs that members can abide by and voters can understand. Smiles warned that without underpinning values, Reform is "one step closer to implosion."
ABBA Voyage surprise
In a lighter section, Smiles admitted she was never a huge ABBA fan but was "absolutely stunned" by how much she loved ABBA Voyage, the £140 million show in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park featuring ABBA avatars – "ABBAtars" – performing the band's greatest hits. She attended with her sister and mother, a huge ABBA fan, and described being mesmerised by the figures on stage. She urged readers to go, whether they love ABBA or not.
The four Ps of local government
Smiles, a local councillor, noted four constants of the role: parking, pavements, potholes, and poo (dog fouling). She praised Boston Borough Council for approving an extension to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that allows fines for dog walkers unable to show they have brought poo bags, and rules requiring dogs causing alarm or distress to be put on a lead. She said it will make "lazy pooch owners think twice."
