Sir John Hall praises Reform UK after first Durham council meeting
The 92-year-old attended Wednesday’s annual council meeting at County Hall, where the party elected Andrew Husband as new leader.
Sir John praised Reform for winning 65 seats at the local election earlier this month and said its success is an “exciting time” for the party.
“This is a moment in history,” he said. “The people’s party has won a tremendous victory in the North East. It’s time for change and I’m supporting Reform because, looking at all the other parties, they are the only one that will help me save my nation state.”
The former Conservative donor is believed to have donated more than £500,000 to the party over the years, but last year said he had been “let down” by the Tories and told them to “get stuffed”. He first announced his support of the party at a Reform UK rally in Houghton-le-Spring in June 2024.
After donating to Reform UK, he said he is more aligned with the party’s policies. He explained: “I’m an old Englishman, and I see changes coming in destroying what I believe is my nation state. We have got a long way to go but it’s an unbelievable change, taking over Durham County Council, which in my day was solid red.”
Sir John, a property developer who was behind the building of the Metrocentre, has been a prominent figure throughout the North East for several decades. Speaking outside Durham County Hall, he spoke of his hope that Reform can push on and increase its popularity throughout the region.
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He added: “You need power to make change, and this is just the start. What I find talking to all of the people a part of Reform is they are so enthusiastic, they want to see change. We have got a majority and I’m sure things will happen.
“Durham is just one part of the North East and the bigger problem is how we organise the North East for the future. I want to see a regional Reform structure.
“It’s an exciting time, and even at 92, I’m delighted to be a part of it.”