Is Reform Split Over Hexit? Havering Council Debate Reveals Different Views
A Full Council debate over “Hexit” has highlighted differing views within Havering’s Reform UK administration over whether the borough should remain part of Greater London or strengthen its historic ties with Essex.
The discussion followed a motion from the Havering Aligned Residents’ Associations (HARA), which called on the council not to spend valuable resources on a referendum about leaving London.
Reform UK amended the wording to say that no council resources would be spent on such a referendum “in this Council term”, referring to a statement made by council leader Councillor Keith Prince on 27 May. The amendment also accused opposition councillors of “playing political games”.
However, contributions during the debate appeared to reveal that Hexit has not disappeared as an issue within Reform. Some Reform councillors spoke positively about Havering’s historic connection with Essex and the case for leaving London, while others supported the administration’s current position.
Councillor Prince has been clear that he does not intend to pursue the proposal. In his inaugural speech as leader, he warned that many residents could be “significantly worse off financially” if Havering left Greater London.
“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.”
He added that the administration would not waste time pursuing Hexit or leaving the Greater London Authority, and would instead concentrate on “getting Havering back on track”.
That position differs from the enthusiasm previously shown by other senior Reform figures. Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has championed the idea, arguing that Havering is historically and culturally part of Essex. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also said residents should be given the choice.
Leaving Greater London would be far more complicated than changing the borough’s postal identity. It could affect arrangements involving Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police, the London Fire Brigade, planning, concessionary travel and the GLA precept. Any boundary change would also require action beyond Havering Council itself.
The wording agreed by Reform rules out spending on a referendum during the current council term, rather than rejecting Hexit permanently. That distinction, together with the views expressed in the chamber, suggests the debate remains alive within the party even though its council leader has placed it firmly to one side.
The question now is whether Hexit remains simply an expression of Havering’s Essex identity, or develops into a future policy dividing Reform’s local representatives.
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