Reform UK’s first Labour defection Mason Humberstone has said his decision to join Nigel Farage’s movement was “simple”.
Mr Humberstone joined Christopher Hope on GB News to discuss his move, admitting he would have “lost his conscience” had he remained a part of Sir Keir Starmer’s party.
Mr Humberstone said Labour is lacking direction
|GB NEWS / PA / REFORM UK
He also suggested more Labour colleagues will follow as they grow increasingly disillusioned with Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
“I have come to a stark reality”, he said.
“We have left ordinary people across the country behind. It upsets me. What have we done since the election? We are mired in scandal and we have let so many people down.
“It’s only going to get worse. I had to move and do the right thing. I am looking forward to ensuring this movement to ensure we get real change done.”
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Hitting back at Labour criticism over his move, he said: “I’m not surprised, but I’m not going to get involved in the vitriol.
“I have received love and support. At the end of the day, I am disappointed if they go down that road.”
Mason Humberstone joined Christopher Hope on GB News to discuss his defection
|GB NEWS
Mr Humberstone admitted his move is a big jump ideologically and he is ready to fight a local election on his new platform.
It will not be a by-election, however, as local elections are set to take place in the coming months, and he feels calling one early will just be a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“I have not just jumped ship after a four-year whim. My belief system has not changed”, he said.
“Why waste taxpayers’ money when I am up for re-election relatively soon? My residents will have an opportunity to go to the voting booths and decide whether they want to re-elect me as their representative.
Nigel Farage has opened the door to a deluge of defections
| PA“I look forward to that battle.”
Asked if other Labour councillors will join him, he said: “It’s been a lot. It’s been overwhelming. A lot of colleagues are sad to see me go, but a lot of them share the same view.
“I am looking forward to seeing what happens. I can support anyone in any way. My DMs (direct messages) are open and I am willing to support them in any way.
“There’s more to come.”
In a Reform UK statement, Stevenage Borough councillor Mr Humberstone, who has represented Old Town ward since he was voted in in 2023, said: “I have not left the Labour Party, Labour has left us.”
Reform UK heralded his decision, saying it was “delighted” to add him to their ranks.
He becomes their only councillor at Stevenage.
The Labour leader of the council, Richard Henry, has already called on Mr Humberstone to call a by-election and seek a new mandate from Old Town residents.
Mr Henry said he had "made every attempt, above and beyond what would be considered reasonable, to accommodate and mentor councillor Humberstone as he brought many challenges to the table in terms of his attendance, punctuality, adherence to commitments, dedication to the role and much more".