Blackpool Tory defects to Reform UK "to help get Nigel Farage into No. 10"
A prominent member of Blackpool Conservatives has defected to Reform.
Jack Robinson, former chairman of the Blackpool South Conservative Association, made the switch this week.
He doesn’t hold an elected position but Mr Robinson said he is eager to share his decade of grassroots campaigning experience with the Tories to support Reform’s ambitions on the Fylde coast.
“I am committed to working over the years to come to get Nigel Farage into number 10,” said Mr Robinson, who served the local Conservatives since he was 17-years-old.
Mark Butcher, chairman for Reform’s Blackpool and Fleetwood branch, said he was “thrilled” to welcome Mr Robinson to the party. He said Jack’s local knowledge and leadership “make him a massive asset” to Reform.
“We’re growing stronger every day!” said Mr Butcher, who announced the switch on social media on Saturday.
“I’m thrilled to officially welcome Jack Robinson to the Reform UK family,” he added.
“Jack has left the Conservative party and is now fully committed to our movement for real change in Blackpool, Fleetwood and beyond.”
Explaining his decision to defect, Mr Robinson said: “Like many, I feel the Conservatives have totally betrayed voters in areas like Blackpool and with Labour’s help, have utterly broken the country.
“I’m proud to join the only party with the capability and political will to turn things around.
“I first joined the Tory Party at the age of 17 and had been a loyal servant to the party ever since. I have always campaigned for them in Blackpool, both in General Elections for the previous MP Scott Benton as well as in local elections.
“My experience as chairman of the Blackpool South Conservative Association and being directly responsible for many of the local campaigns will be used flat out to aide Reform in succeeding both in local elections going forward.
“Today, I have been on the campaign trail with the chairman of Reform UK Blackpool & Fleetwood Branch Mark Butcher to support the Bolton Branch in their local elections this coming May.
“I am committed to working with Mark and his team over the years to come to get Nigel Farage into number 10.”
Mr Butcher added: “His leaving is a clear sign that more and more people are waking up to the failures of the old parties and seeing Reform UK as the only serious alternative putting British people first, fixing our broken borders, economy and communities.
“Today, Jack was out on the campaign trail with me supporting our Bolton team ahead of May’s local elections.
“This is just the start we’re building momentum together to deliver for Blackpool & Fleetwood and help secure the wins we need nationally.
“A huge thank you to Jack for making this bold move.”