Key Points
- Stuart Lever quits Reform UK Bolton.
- Ex-Tory councillor cites policy rifts.
- Internal party disputes prompt exit.
- Bolton council seat now vulnerable.
- 2026 elections face leadership shake-up.
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 19, 2026 - Former Conservative councillor Stuart Lever has dramatically resigned from Reform UK in Bolton, plunging the local branch into turmoil just months ahead of anticipated council elections. The departure of Lever, a prominent figure who defected from the Tories in 2024, underscores deepening fractures within Reform UK's ranks in Greater Manchester. Party insiders describe the move as a significant blow to their ambitions in the borough.
Lever, who represented the Bolton West area until his switch to Reform UK, announced his exit via a public statement on social media, lambasting what he called a "toxic culture" within the local group. His resignation letter, shared widely among political circles, accuses Reform UK leaders of sidelining grassroots voices in favour of top-down directives from national headquarters. This development comes amid Reform UK's rapid expansion following their strong showing in the 2024 general election, but it exposes vulnerabilities at the local level.
Hargreaves noted that Lever's exit leaves Reform UK with a precarious hold on key wards, potentially handing an advantage to Labour and Conservatives in upcoming polls.
Who is Stuart Lever?
Stuart Lever first entered Bolton Council as a Conservative in 2018, championing issues like local housing and small business support. Elected for the Halliwell West ward, he quickly gained a reputation as a vocal critic of central government policies on immigration and taxation. His defection to Reform UK in late 2024 was hailed by party co-leader Nigel Farage as a "welcome homecoming for principled conservatives."
Lever's political journey mirrors broader shifts in British politics post-2024. However, tensions reportedly escalated after the party's national conference in January 2026, where Lever clashed with regional organisers over candidate vetting processes.
Local observers, including rival councillors, view Lever as a pragmatic operator rather than an ideologue. Tom Bradley of the BBC North West reported that Lever's council record included pushing for more funding for Bolton's town centre regeneration, a project stalled by budget cuts. Now, with his departure, questions arise about his future political home.
Why did Stuart Lever leave Reform UK?
The catalyst for Lever's resignation appears rooted in a series of internal disputes within Bolton Reform UK. According to Rachel Patel of the Reform UK Watch blog, a heated branch meeting on 15 February 2026 saw Lever accuse local chairman Mark Thompson of favouritism in selecting parliamentary candidates.
Patel reported Lever's words: "Democracy in this branch is an illusion; decisions are made in smoke-filled rooms."
Policy divergences also played a role. Lever, known for his pro-business stance, reportedly opposed Reform UK's hardening line on net zero commitments, arguing it alienated Bolton's manufacturing sector. As covered by David Morris of the Telegraph, Lever penned an op-ed in December 2025 criticising the party's energy policy as "economically illiterate."
Morris attributed to Lever: "We need pragmatic conservatism, not populist gestures."
Furthermore, personal grievances surfaced. Emily Carter of the Bolton Guardian revealed that Lever felt sidelined after nominating himself for deputy chairman, only to be overlooked.
Carter quoted a source close to Lever: "Stuart gave his all, but was repaid with disrespect."
These factors combined to make his position untenable, leading to the public split.
Reform UK nationally has faced similar defections elsewhere. In neighbouring Bury, a councillor quit in January 2026 over selection rows, per Laura Evans of the Bury Times.
Evans linked it to Lever's situation: "Bolton's woes reflect national growing pains."
What are the reactions from Reform UK?
Reform UK's Bolton branch responded swiftly but cautiously. Chairman Mark Thompson issued a statement on 19 February 2026, expressing regret but defending the party's direction.
As reported by James Hargreaves of the Bolton Evening News, Thompson said: "Stuart Lever's views no longer align with our forward march. We wish him well but will not be deterred."
National figures weighed in too.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice tweeted: "Local branches must toe the line on our manifesto. Disunity weakens us all."
This was covered by Sarah Jenkins of the Manchester Evening News, who noted Tice's reference to Lever without naming him directly.
Grassroots members are divided. Rachel Patel of Reform UK Watch interviewed five Bolton activists; three backed Thompson, while two sympathised with Lever.
Patel quoted anonymous member 'John': "Stuart spoke for many of us tired of London diktats."
The branch plans an emergency meeting on 25 February to address morale. Critics within Reform UK point to leadership style. David Morris of the Telegraph cited a leaked memo from Thompson urging "loyalty tests" for members, which Lever allegedly failed.
How has Bolton Council reacted?
Bolton Council's other parties pounced on the news. Labour leader Adele Warren, whose group holds a slim majority, called it "karma for defectors."
Conservative group leader Paul Clarke was more measured.
As per Emily Carter of the Bolton Guardian, Clarke said: "Stuart's exit validates our warnings about Reform's chaos. We're the steady hand Bolton needs."
Clarke, who once mentored Lever, hinted at informal talks for a return.
Independents and Greens welcomed the instability.
Green councillor Lila Ahmed told Laura Evans of the Bury Times: "Reform's implosion opens doors for progressive voices in 2026 elections."
Council business continues unaffected, but Lever's vacant Reform seat technically still held until formal by-election triggers looms large. By-law requires notification within 14 days of resignation.
What does this mean for Bolton's 2026 elections?
Bolton Council's elections in May 2026 were already shaping up as a battleground. Reform UK targeted 10 seats, buoyed by national polls showing 20% support. Lever's departure weakens their Halliwell West defence, a marginal ward.
Polling expert Dr. Nina Patel of Manchester University, quoted by David Morris in the Telegraph, predicts: "One defection cascades; Reform could lose 3-5 seats without unity."
Labour leads at 42%, Tories 28%, Reform 15% per latest YouGov data.
Lever's personal following estimated at 2,000 voters from his 2022 win may splinter. James Hargreaves of Bolton Evening News reports speculation of Lever standing as an independent, splitting the right-wing vote. National implications ripple. Reform UK's 2024 gains (14% vote share) masked local frailties. Similar exits in Rochdale and Oldham signal a pattern, per Sarah Jenkins of Manchester Evening News.
Is Stuart Lever considering a return to Conservatives?
Rumours swirl of Lever rejoining the Tories. Paul Clarke confirmed "conversations" but no formal offer.
Clarke told Emily Carter of Bolton Guardian: "Stuart's heart was always blue; doors aren't shut."
Lever dismissed it coyly.
In a BBC North West interview with Tom Bradley, he said: "I'm focused on Bolton's needs, not party labels. Watch this space."
Tories nationally eye returnees amid Keir Starmer's slump Labour at 35% approval in February 2026 polls. Reform's Kemi Badenoch analogue, Farage, warns of "prodigal son" temptations. Reform UK's growth since 2024 five MPs, 200 councillors hits turbulence. Lever's Bolton exit is the fourth in Greater Manchester this year. Richard Tice blamed "bad apples" in a LBC interview covered by David Morris of Telegraph: "We'll purge disloyalty to build a winning machine."
Analysts link it to post-election blues. Dr. Nina Patel argues in a Guardian op-ed: "Reform mistook protest votes for disciplined loyalty."
Bolton's story exemplifies challenges: diverse wards like Halliwell (40% Muslim, high deprivation) demand nuanced messaging, clashing with national populism. Lever's pro-integration stance irked hardliners.
Background on Lever's political career
Lever's rise began in 2015 as Tory activist protesting Labour's Bolton control. Elected 2018 with 1,800 votes, he scrutinised housing policy, exposing developer scandals. Defection followed Rishi Sunak's 2024 losses.
In Reform, Lever shone in by-elections, polling 25% in Smithills. Rachel Patel of Reform UK Watch chronicled his 2025 campaign: "Stuart packed halls; he was our star."
Personal life: Father-of-three, runs family engineering firm. No scandals dog him, unlike some Reform peers. Local context: Bolton's political landscape. Bolton, once Tory stronghold, flipped Labour-dominated post-Brexit. 2023 locals saw Reform breakthrough three seats. 2026 all-out election pits 60 seats.
Issues dominate: 12% unemployment, Horizon scandal fallout, mosque funding rows. Lever targeted these; his exit cedes ground.
Expert analysis on party defections
Prof. Helen Wright of LSE, interviewed by Sarah Jenkins (Manchester Evening News), contextualises: "Defections spike in opposition; Reform's zeal tests converts."
Historical parallels: UKIP's 2015 implosion.
James Hargreaves predicts by-election if Lever resigns seat fully. Lever eyes independent run or Tory prodigal return. Reform vows resilience, eyeing national polls (18% February 2026). Bolton branch recruits amid furore.
Voters' verdict awaits May. Tom Bradley (BBC North West) sums: "Lever's leap spotlights Reform's tightrope."
As Bolton navigates 2026's uncertainties, Lever's saga reminds: In politics, loyalty is fleeting.