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Another blow for Nigel Farage as Reform’s General Secretary departs after 16 months in the top job – including crucial role in suspending top figure and investigating aides over donations scandal
Reform UK general secretary Tom Waterhouse has left the role after 16 months, with the party saying he wants to spend more time with his family. His departure comes amid a difficult period for Nigel Farage’s party, which has faced several rows and scandals.
Waterhouse led an internal investigation into aides James Orr and Dan Jukes after undercover footage showed them discussing donations with a purported US businessman; the probe said they had acted foolishly but broken no laws. He also helped suspend Reform supporter Tim Montgomerie while Farage was away. Reform has appointed an interim general secretary, and the article says the party has slipped to third in the polls, behind Labour and the Conservatives.
In short
- Tom Waterhouse has left Reform UK after 16 months as general secretary.
- He led a probe into aides’ discussion of donations.
- Reform says he remains supportive and will stay involved.
Explained simply
Reform UK is a political party led by Nigel Farage, who is also a prominent public figure and campaigner. Its general secretary oversees party organisation and administration, while the party’s elected leader sets its political direction.
Tom Waterhouse was involved in internal decisions concerning party staff and supporters. These included an inquiry into aides James Orr and Dan Jukes after footage showed them discussing donations with a person posing as a US businessman, and the suspension of supporter Tim Montgomerie.
The donation discussions raised questions about how the party handled fundraising and its internal procedures. Leadership changes can also affect how a party is organised as it seeks public support.