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 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.
"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.”
