MILLIONAIRE property tycoon and ex-Tory donor Sir John Hall officially joined Reform yesterday in a blow to Kemi Badenoch.
The former chairman of Newcastle United warned of becoming a “stranger in my own land” as he was appointed North East Life President of Nigel Farage’s party.
Sir John Hall has today been named North East Life President of Reform UK
Sir John previously donated £500,000 to the Tories before endorsing Reform at the general election and then backing Robert Jenrick to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the opposition.
In a parting shot at his old party, the property magnate declared that 14 years of Conservative rule failed to control immigration or support businesses and growth.
Sir John donated a “vast sum” to Reform as the announcement was made today.
He said: “I joined the Conservative Party because they were for the private sector. Gradually, things changed, and over the last few years I was quite astounded at the way changes were happening in my country.
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“I’m an old Englishman, and suddenly I find myself being a stranger in my own land after 14 years of Conservative rule.
“Reform speaks the language, I’ve never seen such enthusiasm for a political party. Like many English people today, I want to see that Englishness is protected for future generations, and I’m delighted to be with Reform.”
Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf said: “Sir John Hall is a giant of the North East of England and a beacon for social mobility and British values.
“Having been a long time Tory supporter and donor, he can see that their brand is now broken after one of the greatest betrayals of the British people.”