Former Mansfield MP Ben Bradley Joins Reform UK to Aid Council Spending Cuts
Ben Bradley, former Mansfield MP elected in 2017 and ex-leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, has joined Reform UK in a new role focused on reducing spending in councils led by the party. He is set to start in the coming weeks.
Bradley has been out of politics for about a year after losing his Mansfield seat in the 2024 general election. His move to Reform UK follows several defections from Conservative MPs, including Jonathan Gullis, Lia Nici, and Chris Green.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage emphasized that the party will not become a Conservative Party 2.0. Bradley will work alongside party leader Richard Tice and the Department of Government Efficiency.
Previously, Bradley resigned as Conservative Party vice-chair in 2018 in protest against Theresa May's Chequers Brexit plan; he had supported Remain ahead of the 2016 referendum. During his leadership of Nottinghamshire County Council, he delivered record investment, secured significant funding for services, and achieved budget savings while improving services.
Labour MP for Mansfield, Steve Yemm, commented that the move did not surprise him, suggesting that several former Tory MPs are joining Reform UK due to their support for the Liz Truss mini-budget.
Bradley described Reform UK as the only party willing to be different and tackle pressing issues. He aims to help communities feel the benefits of Reform's approach.
