“I Will Not Sit By Whilst Other Politicians Attempt to Lie About Me” – Keith Prince Walks Out of City Hall After Row Over Motion.

Reform UK Assembly Members Keith Prince AM and Alex Wilson walked out of Thursday’s London Assembly Plenary Session after a motion concerning Councillor Keith Prince sparked a political dispute over his position on a possible referendum on Havering’s membership of Greater London.

Reform UK, say the decision to leave the chamber followed Assembly Chair Andrew Boff’s decision to admit a Liberal Democrat motion which the party says wrongly suggested that Councillor Keith Prince had rejected the principle of holding a referendum on whether Havering should remain part of Greater London.

Reform UK strongly disputes that claim, stating that Keith Prince has never ruled out a referendum and has consistently said he would support one if there were sufficient public demand. The party says this is the same position held by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Following the walkout, Councillor Keith Prince said:

“This motion is a shameless, unveiled attempt to sow disagreement between myself and my party colleagues where it doesn’t exist. By walking out of the Assembly today, we have made it abundantly clear that Reform UK will not stand for political gameplaying. This flagrantly misleading motion should have never been admitted by the Chair.”

He added:

“I am dedicated to serving the people of Havering and Redbridge. I will not sit by whilst other politicians attempt to lie about me or my party.”

The motion itself was tabled by Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Gareth Roberts and seconded by Hina Bokhari OBE AM. It called for greater proportional representation in London’s local elections and criticised Reform UK’s voting position during the debates.

After the vote, the Liberal Democrats said Reform UK’s position appeared to conflict with its 2024 manifesto commitment to hold a referendum on proportional representation. They argued that the vote demonstrated divisions within several political parties over electoral reform.

Reform UK rejects that interpretation and says the issue was never about proportional representation itself, but about what it describes as an inaccurate portrayal of Keith Prince’s position on a referendum relating to Havering’s future within Greater London.

The party says its walkout was intended to demonstrate its opposition to what it considers to be political point-scoring and misleading claims made during the debate.

The exchange marks the latest political disagreement at City Hall as parties continue to debate electoral reform and the future governance of London’s boroughs.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.