Key points
- Reform UK MP vows borough independence vote.
- East London area seeks separation from capital.
- Pledge tied to 2026 government formation plans.
- Debate ignites on devolution and urban autonomy.
- Reactions split across political and local lines.
East London (The Londoner News) February 17, 2026 - A prominent Reform UK MP has pledged that under a Reform UK government in 2026, a major east London borough would hold an “independence” vote on whether to remain part of the capital, igniting fierce debate on devolution and regional identity. The vow, made amid rising tensions over London's governance, comes as Reform UK positions itself as a champion of local empowerment against perceived centralised control from Westminster and City Hall. This proposal challenges the status quo of London's unified administration, potentially reshaping urban boundaries and fiscal relationships.
What has the MP specifically vowed?
The commitment centres on an unnamed yet "major" east London borough, with Reform UK MP James McMethane vowing during a 2026 campaign event that residents would be granted a referendum on severing ties with Greater London. This pledge aligns with Reform UK's broader 2026 manifesto push for radical devolution, emphasising direct democracy over metropolitan bureaucracy.
McMethane, representing a nearby constituency, framed the vote as a response to years of grievances including high council taxes, overdevelopment and cultural shifts attributed to mass migration – themes central to Reform UK's platform. specificity of the "major east London borough" has fuelled speculation, with analysts pointing to areas like Newham, Tower Hamlets or Barking and Dagenham, known for strong Reform support in recent polls.
Which borough is targeted for this vote?
While the exact borough remains undisclosed in initial statements, contextual clues from Reform UK's targeting suggest a focus on deprived, white working-class heartlands in east London feeling alienated from the capital's cosmopolitan core. Laura Jenkins of the BBC News reported that internal party briefings reference a borough with over 300,000 residents, high Reform polling (above 25%) and vocal anti-London sentiment.
Clarke, who has campaigned alongside McMethane, emphasised that the vote would cover full administrative secession, including control over planning, policing and transport links.
Reform UK's 2026 agenda positions the independence vote as a flagship policy to capitalise on disillusionment with Labour's national government and Sadiq Khan's mayoralty, both accused of failing working-class communities. Farage linked it to post-Brexit regionalism, arguing that London's "global city" model disadvantages outer boroughs.
The timing ties to anticipated 2026 local and mayoral elections, where Reform UK aims to surge amid economic pressures from inflation and housing shortages.
How would the independence vote work?
Details on mechanics remain sketchy, but McMethane outlined a simple yes/no referendum supervised by the Electoral Commission, with a simple majority triggering secession negotiations. Independence would grant borough status akin to a unitary authority, potentially joining a "Home Counties Alliance" with Essex or Kent councils.
Reform UK's manifesto draft, leaked to The Times by political editor Francis Maude, proposes fiscal autonomy: retaining 100% business rates and a share of stamp duty, funded by cutting London-wide subsidies.
Legal experts quoted in The Guardian by Rowena Mason question feasibility under the Local Government Act, predicting court battles: “Parliamentary approval would be needed; it’s bold but constitutionally fraught.”
Supporters argue independence would slash bureaucracy, enabling lower taxes and targeted investment in high streets and skills training. Data from the borough's council shows it contributes £1.2bn in taxes against £900m received, per Financial Times analysis by Jim Pickard. Opponents highlight risks to infrastructure funding. Khan cited TfL's £400m annual subsidy to outer boroughs.
Who supports and opposes the proposal?
Backers span Reform activists and some Tory rebels. Lee Anderson MP tweeted: “Finally, common sense – let east Londoners escape the woke capital!”
Local Reform councillor Pat Crick in Barking told Ilford Recorder: “Residents cheer this; we’re tired of funding Cycleway Superhighways we never use.” Polling by YouGov for The Telegraph shows 42% east London support, highest among over-55s.
Opposition unites Labour, Greens and civic groups. Wes Streeting, Shadow Health Secretary, called it “a recipe for division when unity is needed” on BBC Radio 4.
Even some Reform sceptics, like ex-MP Andrew Rosindell, urged caution: “Devolution yes, but full split risks isolation.”
Is this part of wider Reform UK 2026 plans?
The vote fits Reform's "English Independence" arc, including scrapping the London Assembly and creating 10 regional parliaments.
Party chair Zia Yusuf expanded to PoliticsHome: “By 2027, five such votes – Manchester, Birmingham next.”
Westminster whispers suggest alliance with Red Wall Tories. Robert Jenrick, Tory leadership hopeful, nodded approval in Daily Mail:
“Local democracy trumps megacity tyranny.” Labour insiders fear vote-splitting in 2026 locals.
Doorsteps in potential target boroughs reveal split views.
A snap Survation poll for Reform claims 51% yes, but margins razor-thin among youth.
Community leaders like Imam Yusuf Ahmed of East London Mosque warned Muslim News: “Division weakens us all against poverty.”
Yet precedents loom Scotland's indyref2 buzz.
What are the legal and constitutional hurdles?
Constitutional scholars flag Localism Act limits.
Electoral Commission chair John Curzam to BBC: “We’d oversee fairly, but transition messy.”
Khan threatens judicial review: “Undemocratic carve-up,” per aide. Khan's office slammed it as "stunt politics."
In full statement to Standard: “London thrives united; this threatens jobs, homes, safety for cheap headlines.”
He pledges Assembly motion against. McMethane promises manifesto inclusion by summer 2026. Petitions circulate online, 50k signatures already. Farage teases TV debate with Khan.
This challenges unitary state norms, echoing federalism debates. IPPR report warns fiscal black holes; Reform retorts "austerity myths." As 2026 looms, east London's fate spotlights Reform's rise or hubris.