has branded Ben Habib “bitter and twisted” in a scathing attack after erstwhile deputy leader confirmed he was quitting the party.
The Clacton MP reacted strongly to an announcement by ex- Party MEP and property developer Mr Habib on social media in which he lamented what he said was the party’s lack of democratisation and claimed to have been “silenced”.
However, Mr Farage was in no mood for conciliatory words during a at which he announced Reform had passed the 100,000 members-mark.
He said: “That was the real champagne moment of the day. I mean, it was a good day, but Ben Habib announcing he’s not with us really was the absolute icing on the cake.
“Look after the election, Ben didn’t get elected. Other people did, and he and David Bull had been the deputy leaders under .”
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Ben Habib speaking in a clip uploaded to X, and Nigel Farage at yesterday’s press conference (Image: GETTY/X)
He continued: “I said, Ben, David, I’m really sorry, but I want to make the deputy because he’s in the House of Commons. He will literally deputise for me when he’s there and I’m traveling around the country.
“And David Bull accepted that and is very much a part of the organisation.
“And poor old Ben felt bitter about it, and he’s attacked me more in public than the have. He’s gone very bitter, very twisted. It’s very sad.
“The fact that he’s walked away, frankly, is a huge relief.”
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I’m saddened to share that I can no longer support Reform UK. Their decision to silence me from speaking to branches and reluctance to democratise have left me with no choice.
— Ben Habib (@BackBrexitBen)
Mr Habib, who unsuccessfully contested Wellingborough for Reform at the general election, had earlier shared a video in which he explained his reasons.
He commented: “I’m saddened to share that I can no longer support Reform UK. Their decision to silence me from speaking to branches and reluctance to democratise have left me with no choice.”
He also appeared on GB News, when he spoke to fellow ex- Party MP Martin Daubney in which he insisted: “This is nothing to do with personalities.
“I love Nigel – if Nigel walked into the room we could all have a big hug.
Ben Habib unsuccessfully contested Wellingborough for Reform in the general election (Image: Getty)
“I need to be absolutely certain that the policies adopted by Reform and the way the party is governed is consistent with required in order to save the United Kingdom.”
Speaking after the July 4 General Election, Mr Habib said the decision to replace him with newly elected Boston and Skegness MP Mr Tice had served to highlight his long-standing concerns about the party’s centralised control.
He emphasised that Reform UK’s success and promises to voters required a structure that truly embodied democratic principles, which he felt were lacking.
Mr Habib’s replacement also coincided with the appointment of Zia Yusuf as Reform’s chairman.