Former Labour Mayor and Councillor Defect to Reform UK, Criticising Party's London Record
In a significant political shift, two former Labour local authority figures have announced their defection to Reform UK, levelling sharp criticism at the ruling party's performance in London. Sir Robin Wales, who served as the directly elected mayor of Newham from 2002 to 2018, and Clive Furness, a former councillor in the borough, made the move official at a press conference on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Accusations of Labour's Failures in the Capital
Sir Robin Wales, who will now act as Reform UK's London director of local government, did not hold back in his assessment of Labour's tenure. He accused the party of having abandoned its foundational principles, particularly under the leadership of London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan. According to Sir Robin, the capital has experienced soaring crime rates, failing public services, and a party that prioritises the wealthy elite over the working-class communities it was originally built to represent.
Clive Furness, who has been selected as Reform's candidate for mayor of Newham, echoed these sentiments, stating that Labour has clearly and demonstrably failed London. He pointed to what he described as a Balkanisation of Britain, where voting patterns are increasingly divided along religious and racial lines, as a key concern that motivated his switch. Furness lamented that even Newham, a borough he and Sir Robin had worked to lift out of deprivation, has regressed under current Labour leadership, which he claims is now out of touch with local communities.
Reform UK's Recruitment Drive and Defence Against Racism Claims
The defections come after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had previously hinted at ongoing talks with senior Labour figures, promising that they will come. At the press conference, Farage confirmed that Sir Robin and Mr Furness are part of this recruitment effort, but suggested more announcements could follow in the coming weeks and months. He emphasised the relevance of their experience in London governance, especially with local elections approaching.
In response to Labour's accusations that Reform peddles divisive and racist politics, Sir Robin offered a robust defence. He stated unequivocally that if he or Clive Furness believed Reform was racist, they would not have joined the party. It's not and I challenge anybody to show how it is, he declared, addressing the event directly.
Labour's Dismissive Response and Policy Contrast
London Labour was quick to dismiss the defections, with a spokesperson characterising the move as scraping the barrel. They noted that neither Sir Robin nor Mr Furness has been actively involved in the Labour movement for some time, referencing Sir Robin's deselection by the party in Newham back in 2018. The spokesperson contrasted Reform's critical stance with Labour's own policy agenda, which includes:
- Ending the two-child cap to support 240,000 children.
- Cutting energy bills for 3.7 million households.
- Expanding free school meals and breakfast clubs.
- Strengthening protections for 2.7 million renters.
They accused Nigel Farage and Reform's London mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, of talking London down and attacking the city's multicultural success, while Labour remains focused on delivering tangible benefits for residents.
This defection marks a notable moment in London's political landscape, as Reform UK seeks to bolster its credentials with experienced local figures ahead of key elections. The move underscores ongoing tensions within Labour and highlights the broader challenges facing the party in maintaining its traditional support base in urban areas like London.
