Hexit Rears Its Head Again As Reform Clashes With Opposition Councillors.

27th August 202627th August 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments HARA, Havering, hexit, Reform Uk min read

Reform UK has clashed with opposition councillors over its objection to Havering leaving the Greater London Authority (GLA) writes Sebastian Mann, local democracy reporter.

A motion has been tabled ahead of next week’s full council meeting by the Havering Aligned Residents Association (HARA), asking the administration to “not to spend valuable council resources on a referendum to leave London”.

Havering’s future in London became a heated talking point in the run-up to the May local elections, which saw Reform win control of the council.

‘Hexit,’ as it became known, has been championed by Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, who said that independence from City Hall would give Havering more control over planning and bring it closer in line with its historic Essex identity.

Motions are debated by councillors and often determine the council’s stance on certain issues, rather than concrete policy decisions. Any group can table a motion, and opposition parties can put forward amendments if they disagree.

In response, Reform tabled an amendment reading: “This council agrees not to spend valuable council resources on a referendum to leave London, in this council term, as stated clearly by the leader of the council on 27th May.

“This council will focus on fixing the mess caused by previous administrations, and will not spend valuable council resources on playing political games started by opposition groups.”

The sternly-worded response refers to Reform councillor Keith Prince’s inaugural speech after his group won a majority of 39 seats on 7th May.

He told the chamber then that leaving the GLA would lead residents “significantly worse off”.

“Let me make this crystal clear: at this moment in time, from the research I have done, it’s quite clear that many of our residents would be significantly worse off financially if we were to leave London,” he said in his maiden speech as leader.

“While there are those who are emotionally attached to the attraction of leaving London, I and this administration are yet to be presented with a well-thought-out, researched and costed proposal that outlines the benefits to our residents.

“Therefore, we will not be wasting our time pursuing Hexit or leaving the GLA.

“We will be concentrating our time and energies getting Havering back on track.”

Earlier this week, the council began a deep clean of Romford town centre, which it promised in its manifesto as part of its ambitions to “restore pride” in the borough’s capital.

‘Hexit’ is not an official Reform policy.

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