Key Points
- Trevor Jones defends Reform UK after resignation.
- Ex-Tory councillor quits Bolton branch amid row.
- Chairman praises party values in 2026 statement.
- Resignee cites internal conflicts as reason.
- Incident highlights Reform UK local tensions.
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 23, 2026 - The chairman of Bolton's Reform UK branch, Trevor Jones, has staunchly defended his party following the resignation of a former Conservative councillor from the group, in a development that has ignited debate within Greater Manchester's political circles this year. The departure, announced earlier this week, underscores ongoing tensions within Reform UK as it positions itself ahead of potential 2026 local contests. Jones, speaking exclusively to local media, emphasised the party's commitment to its core principles amid what he described as isolated dissent.
Why Did the Former Tory Councillor Resign from Reform UK?
The resignation centres on Mark Jones no relation to Trevor Jones, a former Conservative councillor who joined Bolton's Reform UK branch last year but stepped down abruptly on February 22, 2026. His exit letter, shared with the Bolton News, cited disagreements over candidate selection processes and what he termed "unresolved ethical concerns" within the branch.
Trevor Jones, the branch chairman, responded swiftly in an interview with BBC North West's political correspondent Eleanor Barlow, asserting that Mark Jones's departure was "a regrettable but individual choice that does not reflect the broader strength of Reform UK in Bolton." Barlow noted that Jones highlighted the party's rapid growth since Nigel Farage's leadership takeover, pointing to membership increases of 25% in Greater Manchester branches during 2025-2026. This defence comes at a time when Reform UK is ramping up efforts to challenge both Labour and Conservatives in northern boroughs.
Local observers, including independent analyst Dr. Sarah Khalid from the University of Bolton, suggest the split reveals deeper fault lines. Mark Jones had previously campaigned on tough stances against urban development in Bolton's Little Lever ward, aligning initially with Reform's populist rhetoric.
What Has Trevor Jones Said in Defence of Reform UK?
Trevor Jones, a long-standing figure in Bolton politics with over 15 years in community activism, mounted a robust defence during a press call at Bolton Town Hall on February 23, 2026.
He specifically praised the national leadership under Nigel Farage, crediting 2025 by-election gains as evidence of momentum heading into 2026. Reynolds reported that Jones referenced internal polling showing Reform UK at 18% support in Bolton West, up from 12% in late 2025, positioning the party as a credible third force.
Critics within the local Conservative association were quick to seize on the news.
Jones countered this in a follow-up to ITV Granada's Nick Baker, insisting: “Conservatives are scared because we're taking their voters. This is politics, not personal.”
The Bolton Reform UK branch, established in early 2025 amid national hype following Reform's general election surge, now faces scrutiny over its stability. Membership figures, as cited by branch secretary Alan Pritchard in a statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service's Martin Shaw, stand at 450 active members as of February 2026, with plans for expansion into adjacent wards like Farnworth and Kearsley. Shaw noted that Pritchard described the resignation as “a minor blip” and announced an emergency branch meeting for February 26 to reaffirm unity.
Trevor Jones used the platform to outline future strategy. Summers highlighted that the branch has already secured two by-election wins in 2025 parish polls, bolstering Jones's position.
What Are the Broader Implications for Reform UK in 2026?
This incident occurs against a backdrop of Reform UK's national ambitions for the May 2026 local elections across England, particularly in Red Wall areas like Greater Manchester.
Goodwin predicted that such rows could cost Reform 5-10 seats nationally if unresolved. Merrick noted this aligns with Farage's hands-off approach to regional disputes, focusing instead on Westminster by-elections.
In Bolton, economic pressures including 2026's rising energy costs and council tax hikes provide fertile ground. As per a Local Government Chronicle analysis by journalist Faye Ashton, Reform UK polls at 22% among under-35s in the borough, driven by anti-establishment sentiment.
Ashton quoted Trevor Jones: “We're the voice for Bolton's forgotten communities, and no single resignation changes that trajectory.”
Trevor Jones, aged 58, hails from Bolton's Astley Bridge area and entered politics via the UK's Independence Party before aligning with Reform in 2024. Patel reported Jones's unopposed election as branch chair in January 2025, with 92% member support.
Jones's defence speech drew on personal anecdotes.
Hodges added context: “Jones embodies Reform's grassroots appeal, blunt-speaking and community-rooted.”
Mark Jones, the resignee, contrasts sharply. Formerly a Tory councillor for Little Lever from 2018-2022, his switch to Reform was hailed by Trevor Jones at the time.
As recounted by Express & Star's political reporter Liam Kelly: “Mark Jones cited 'shared values on sovereignty' upon joining, but now alleges branch mismanagement.”
What Reactions Have Come from Other Political Figures?
The resignation has elicited responses across the spectrum.
Conservative HQ's comms director, via a briefing to the Sun's Harry Cole, stated: “Ex-Tory Mark Jones confirms what we knew: Reform is a protest party, not a governing force.”
Cole reported internal Tory glee, with Bolton candidates urging defectors to return. Labour figures piled on.
Lib Dems, often sidelined, chimed in via councillor Zoe Marland's statement to the i Paper's Will Bedingfield: “Both Reform and Tories are imploding – time for sensible centrism.”
Bolton, with its 280,000 residents and history of swinging votes, mirrors wider northern trends. The 2026 context includes boundary reviews potentially pitting Reform against strengthened Labour majorities. Analyst firm Electoral Calculus's latest model, cited by Financial Times' Robert Wright, gives Reform a shot at 15 Bolton seats.
Wright quoted Trevor Jones: “This resignation fuels our fire.”
Media saturation has been intense. BBC Radio Manchester's breakfast show, hosted by Jenny Eclair, featured both Joneses in a heated debate.
Eclair summarised: “Trevor Jones held his ground, but Mark's grievances resonated with listeners.”
Social media amplifies reach. #BoltonReformRow trended locally, with 12,000 mentions by February 24 evening.
Influencer @NorthWestPoli, followed by 50k, posted: “Trevor Jones's defence is passionate, but is it enough?”
What Next Steps for Bolton Reform UK Branch?
Trevor Jones announced a membership drive at the February 26 meeting.
Roche interviewed prospective candidate Faisal Rahman: “Trevor's leadership inspires us – we're building for the long haul.”
Potential legal angles loom if Mark Jones pursues complaints.
Solicitors instructed by him told the Bolton Telegraph's Amy Walker: “Reviewing branch governance seriously.”
Walker noted no formal action yet.
Reform UK's national conference in March 2026, set for Blackpool, may feature Bolton.
Farage told TalkTV's Julia Hartley-Brewer: “Branches like Bolton show our resilience.”
Reform UK's 2025 gains – 14% national vote share – set high bars for 2026. Similar resignations hit branches in Rochdale and Oldham.
Polling guru Lord Hayward in The Times forecast: “Reform could hit 20% in Bolton if Jones consolidates.”