Reform UK deputy leader in Cornwall defects to Restore Britain
He becomes Restore Britain's first councillor in Cornwall and one of only around 20 across the country
Last updated 21st Apr 2026
In a shock move at the start of a meeting of Cornwall Council this morning (Tuesday, April 21), the deputy leader of the Reform UK group announced his resignation from the party.
Cllr Roger Tarrant, who represents the Redruth North division, has defected to former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party, becoming its first councillor in Cornwall and one of only around 20 across the country.
Following his announcement in the Chamber at Lys Kernow / County Hall, Cllr Tarrant told us he believes Reform is in “complete disarray” in Cornwall and reckons there will be another leadership challenge within weeks.
A Reform insider in Cornwall says that’s not the case at all, but claimed there has always been an internal issue with Cllr Tarrant over the Redruth, Camborne and Hayle branch of the party. “Good riddance,” said the party member, who wanted to remain anonymous.
Explaining his defection, Cllr Tarrant said: “Since my candidacy for Reform UK in the last General Election, there have been significant changes within the party. The similarities between the Tory manifesto and Reform UK policies have increased, while my own position remains unchanged.
“Restore Britain has emerged in response to Reform UK’s shift in direction and its selection of candidates. Many members have observed that corporate decisions have negatively impacted Reform UK in Cornwall by overlooking the county’s distinct political demographic and causing disengagement among members.”
Criticising Reform in Cornwall, he added: “Branches have been dismantled, and unelected interim officers appointed, leading to concerns about representation and effectiveness.
“Concerns raised by members, activists and group leaders have not been adequately addressed. Volunteer county organisers operate without consulting elected Reform councillors and, in many cases, have interfered with council business, resulting in the disillusionment and departure of members.
“Head Office is aware of ongoing challenges regarding regional director and national director but has not effected change. Reform UK has not demonstrated a commitment to allowing talent to rise on merit and continues to recruit politicians from other parties. The same parties that have failed the people of this country over the past 20 years.”
Cllr Tarrant started his working life in the hospitality trade, running hotels in Newquay before moving into the care sector 30 years ago and now runs a care home in Bodmin.
He told us that couple of other Reform councillors at Cornwall Council were “wavering” about joining him at Restore Britain. He believes others will follow.
I asked Cllr Tarrant if he believed the Reform UK group at the council is in trouble. “Yes,” he replied. “It’s in complete disarray.”
He believes there will be a leadership challenge at the party’s AGM in May, resulting in Cllr Paul Ashton being ousted.
The Reform UK insider said the party’s councillors had complete faith in Cllr Ashton as leader.
Cllr Tarrant said: “My primary focus remains on serving the residents of Redruth North, ensuring their views are represented, and promoting accountability and transparency as county councillor. I look forward to collaborating with Rupert Lowe and Restore Britain to support Cornwall and our nation moving forward.”
His defection leaves 21 Reform UK councillors sitting at Cornwall Council, from an original 28 elected last May.