Reform UK has been busy setting up branches across the country. In June we published details of the new Chair of the then newly formed Croydon branch of Reform UK. Former Councillor Daniel Tebbutt has recently been appointed the Deputy Chair of the branch. He writes for us about his path to this new role below.
“I got my friends and family involved to help deliver leaflets, and when people asked me “aren’t you a bit young for this?”, I responded, “age doesn’t matter when you’re as passionate as I am”
Residents deserve to know who and what they are voting for – I pride myself on being open and transparent when it comes to my political record.
I joined Labour at 15 years old, I was a big believer in Jeremy Corbyn and he appealed to me, as he did so many other young people at that time.
I was elected on a Labour ticket as a District Councillor at the age of 18. I worked hard to get elected, I got my friends and family involved to help deliver leaflets, and when people asked me “aren’t you a bit young for this?”, I responded, “age doesn’t matter when you’re as passionate as I am”. That’s what I was and have always been, passionate about delivering meaningful, lasting change.
So here I was, 18-year-old local lad now a part of a Labour Group, I still remember the excitement of stepping into the chamber for the first time – there’s nothing quite like it!
“Shortly afterwards, as I had lost all faith in the party and its principles, I resigned my Labour whip and sat as an Independent. Do I regret my decision? No”
Over the following months, I consulted a Conservative Cabinet Member who was more knowledgeable on planning than I was. A controversial application had been submitted in my ward and I sought some advice on how to approach this.
There was no ‘cloak and dagger’ or stealth involved, a simple coffee and chat at the local coffee shop.
On discovering my conversation with the Cabinet Member, I was ordered to attend a meeting at the council offices with Labour Group Officers. Amongst other things, an individual who was clearly furious mentioned that “Tories should be put up against a wall and shot”, I was horrified. I still remember to this day, my shock at this statement.
Shortly afterwards, as I had lost all faith in the party and its principles, I resigned my Labour whip and sat as an Independent. Do I regret my decision? No, because I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking it.
I soon realised that I wasn’t able to deliver on my promises to residents as an Independent Councillor, I simply didn’t have the experience or the network behind me. These were a couple of reasons why I joined the Local Conservatives.
“One of the duties I enjoy most is collaborating with the membership – I’m determined to drive Reform’s agenda for renewal and will work to get as many councillors in Croydon as possible”
On leaving Leicestershire and moving to Croydon in 2022, I re-joined the Labour Party as I thought that was where I belonged. I’d got materially involved in Croydon Labour in 2024, supported the mayoral campaign (even writing a policy document!), and became an officer. I applied to be a Councillor and was offered an interview, which I declined.
Almost as soon as Labour entered Government, they started breaking promises. I sat back, like many others who voted for Labour in the General Election and thought “I didn’t vote for this. I didn’t vote for vulnerable people, pensioners, farmers to be targeted”, I was losing faith in Starmer and the party leadership.
And then over the summer of 2025, Starmer announced that the UK Government would recognise Palestine as a state in September, if a ceasefire wasn’t agreed. A move which terrorist organisation, Hamas – celebrated, and in turn, betraying one of the UK’s closest allies, Israel. For me, this was the final nail in the coffin. I drafted my resignation letter, cut up my membership card and left Labour – I no longer felt represented by this party.
On leaving Labour I felt, and still feel, that I can make a positive difference through politics, I’m passionate about improving the lives of people. My mission is to help renew Croydon, forging it into a Borough that fills residents with pride. This is why I joined Reform UK – a party that I’m proud to be a member of, one that aligns with my beliefs.
Owing to my experience, I was asked to take up the role of Interim Deputy Chair of Reform UK Croydon, I accepted. One of the duties I enjoy most is collaborating with the membership – I’m determined to drive Reform’s agenda for renewal and will work to get as many councillors in Croydon as possible. I believe only Reform can fix Croydon after almost two decades of managed decline.
You can find out more about Dan on his Facebook Page, you can also follow Reform Croydon on Facebook, Twitter (X), and online at https://reformukcroydon.co.uk/.