Fresh blow for Nigel Farage as Reform ally quits senior function
Reform UK’s general secretary Tom Waterhouse, who has played a key role in the party operation, is stepping down with immediate effect after just over a year in post
It brings more turmoil to Nigel Farage’s party(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Nigel Farage has been dealt a fresh blow after Reform UK’s General Secretary unexpectedly quit just over a year in the role.
Tom Waterhouse, who has played a key role in the party in recent months, is stepping down with immediate effect.
A Reform spokesman told The Mirror: “Tom Waterhouse has left his role with Reform UK. The party leader has now appointed an interim General Secretary.”
His departure represents another major headache for Mr Farage, whose party has been embroiled in a series of scandals in recent months and has slipped in the polls.
His resignation follows a dodgy donations scandal that saw two top aides – long-standing aide Dan Jukes and policy chief James Orr – forced to step down in September.
Mr Waterhouse recently led an internal probe into the row that concluded Reform did not break electoral law. Critics slammed the investigation as a “whitewash”.
Police are continuing to assess reports that party figures sought to evade electoral law after being caught in an undercover sting.
Footage appeared to show Mr Jukes and Mr Orr seeking to orchestrate funds from journalists posing as a wealthy American and his UK-based son.
Mr Waterhouse’s departure also comes amid questions over the handling of the case of George Madgwick, who was last week charged with 35 offences including 12 counts of rape.
Mr Madgwick, the leader of Reform in Hampshire, was charged with 35 offences, including 12 counts of rape and one offence of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Police launched an investigation on July 24 last year, after receiving a report of a sexual offence. On January 6, officers arrested Madgwick at an address in Wandsworth.
Mr Farage last week said he had “no idea” why he was allowed to continue in his role after his arrest.
Asked why he was allowed to carry on, the Reform leader told reporters on Thursday: “I have no idea. I was told yesterday and I wasn’t very happy.” He was suspended from Reform after he was charged by the CPS.
Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said: “As the scandals pile up for Reform, everyone is being forced to take the blame except Nigel Farage. Their General Secretary is the latest fall-guy, but we all know nobody in Reform makes a decision without Farage’s approval.
“Farage is yet to come clean on what he knew about the arrest of his senior campaign manager and leader in Hampshire, who is now facing 35 very serious charges. And he tried to cover up a secret £5 million ‘gift’ from a crypto billionaire.
“On top of the police probes into Reform’s cash scandals, it’s clear that Farage is drowning in sleaze. Reform are completely unfit for public office.”
Mr Farage is under investigation by the Standards Commissioner over a £5m gift he received from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne shortly before the 2024 general election. It is expected to report back soon.
