Redcar councillor leaves Tories for new party Restore Britain

Cllr Jack Symon, who represents Wheatlands ward in Redcar for the Tories, said he had paid a membership fee to join the “movement”.

The party was launched last month by Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, a former chairman of Southampton FC, and is understood to be in the process of being ratified by the Electoral Commission.

Cllr Symon said that because of this he could only sit as an independent for the moment on the council, although he expected this would change in a matter of weeks.

The 24-year-old, who is an estate agent and was elected in 2023, claimed the reaction had been “quite positive” with residents who he had spoken to having been supportive of the move.

Cllr Symon said he had received some messages from Mr Lowe, the Great Yarmouth MP, who had a well-publicised falling out with Reform UK before leaving Nigel Farage’s party.

Asked why he did not join Reform UK – as many Conservatives have done – he said he “did not think they had what it takes to be unpopular”.

He said: “There is a bit of a daytime TV vibe to them, they are not quite serious enough and seem very showbiz.

“Restore policy is member-led and they are very clear there will be ups and down.

“It’s very much a team effort.

“With Reform it is very personality-driven, very sort of glitz and glamour.”

Cllr Symon said he was unsure at the moment whether he would seek re-election in planned local elections in 2027, “but if he was it would be with Restore Britain”.

He said: “There is lots to think about, I have a young family, and it’s whether I have the time commitments.”

In an open letter explaining events he said he resigned the Conservative whip after “careful thought and reflection”, but bore no ill will towards the party, members or fellow councillors.

He wrote: “I have reflected deeply on the future of our country and the kind of leadership and politics required to restore confidence, opportunity and national pride.

“I have come to believe that Restore Britain represents the clearest and most determined vision for a truly national restoration, rooted in sovereignty, fairness, accountability and support for our people.”

Cllr Symon said “many decent, hardworking people across our communities feel increasingly unheard” and, regardless of political label, he would continue to work tirelessly on local issues.

Conservative group leader, Councillor Carolyn Curr said: “We thank Jack for what he has done with us and wish him well.”