The Rochester and Strood branch of Reform UK is a local representation of the national Reform UK party, which was previously known as the Brexit Party. The branch has gained some prominence in the area due to dissatisfaction with the established political parties and their handling of local issues such as housing development, infrastructure, and healthcare. Reform UK’s platform focuses on reforming British democracy, reducing taxes, improving public services, and securing the UK’s borders.
The Rochester and Strood branch is currently led by Daniel Dabin, who is an advocate for improving local services such as healthcare, pushing for more doctors, dentists, and better road infrastructure to reduce congestion. Dabin has also spoken out against excessive housing developments in the area, arguing that these are often planned without proper consideration for the strain on local services. He brings experience from both his business career and military service, emphasizing his focus on small businesses and a strong defense policy.
Reform UK’s transformation from the Brexit Party to its current iteration came after the UK’s exit from the European Union, shifting its focus toward broader political reform and anti-lockdown policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, the Rochester and Strood branch of the party has been campaigning to build momentum in elections by presenting itself as a fresh alternative to what we call the “legacy parties”.