Immigration policy has claimed its first post-conference casualty inside Reform UK. On 1 November, James Buchan – who won Dartford’s Stone House ward for the populist party in July – crossed the floor to the Conservatives, branding Reform’s proposal to revoke all existing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) permits “cruel, economically reckless and legally unworkable”.
Reform’s draft policy would replace ILR with a renewable five-year work visa, bar beneficiaries from welfare benefits, and prevent them bringing family members. Business groups say more than 2 million settled workers could be forced to re-apply, creating staff shortages in health care, logistics and engineering just as net EU migration continues to fall. “I can’t look my constituents in the eye and defend a plan that would uproot nurses and software engineers who have built their lives here,” Buchan told local media.
![Kent councillor quits Reform UK over plan to scrap Indefinite Leave to Remain]()
The defection highlights growing tension between tougher post-Brexit immigration rhetoric and labour-market realities. While Labour’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has already announced longer qualifying periods for settlement, she has ruled out retrospective changes. Conservative council leader Jeremy Kite welcomed Buchan’s move, saying the Tories will pursue “firm but fair” controls that protect both community cohesion and economic competitiveness.
For global-mobility managers, the episode is a reminder that UK settlement rules remain politically volatile. Employers relying on long-term foreign talent should monitor party manifestos ahead of the next general election and consider acceleration of ILR applications where eligible. Communication with affected employees will be critical to maintain retention and morale amid shifting policy signals.
Reform’s draft policy would replace ILR with a renewable five-year work visa, bar beneficiaries from welfare benefits, and prevent them bringing family members. Business groups say more than 2 million settled workers could be forced to re-apply, creating staff shortages in health care, logistics and engineering just as net EU migration continues to fall. “I can’t look my constituents in the eye and defend a plan that would uproot nurses and software engineers who have built their lives here,” Buchan told local media.
The defection highlights growing tension between tougher post-Brexit immigration rhetoric and labour-market realities. While Labour’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has already announced longer qualifying periods for settlement, she has ruled out retrospective changes. Conservative council leader Jeremy Kite welcomed Buchan’s move, saying the Tories will pursue “firm but fair” controls that protect both community cohesion and economic competitiveness.
For global-mobility managers, the episode is a reminder that UK settlement rules remain politically volatile. Employers relying on long-term foreign talent should monitor party manifestos ahead of the next general election and consider acceleration of ILR applications where eligible. Communication with affected employees will be critical to maintain retention and morale amid shifting policy signals.
