Reform UK selects Addy Mo Asaduzzaman, a migrant with indefinite leave, for Portsmouth council seat
Addy Mo Asaduzzaman, 23, has been selected by Reform UK as their candidate for the Central Southsea ward in Portsmouth for the May 2026 council elections. Asaduzzaman holds indefinite leave to remain in the UK and came to the country on a student visa, studying for a Master's in electronic and electrical engineering at the University of Portsmouth.
His selection attracted criticism on social media with some commenting that non-British candidates should not stand. However, Reform UK Portsmouth group leader Councillor George Madgwick defended the decision, describing the online abuse as disgusting and praising migrants who contribute positively to society.
Regarding eligibility, non-British citizens can stand as councillors if they are eligible Commonwealth citizens not requiring leave to enter or remain, or if they hold indefinite leave to remain, as Asaduzzaman does.
The Central Southsea seat is currently held by Labour, and the Portsmouth City Council elections will contest a third of seats in May 2026. Asaduzzaman expressed that Portsmouth is home to him and, as a legal resident, he has worked to build a life in the UK.
Reform UK describes its stance as an antidote to the far right.
