A former Conservative councillor from Walsall, Jade Chapman, has left her party to join the right-wing Advance UK, a political organization associated with controversial figure Tommy Robinson. Chapman announced her resignation from the Conservative Party on September 18, 2023, following her participation in a rally in London organized by Robinson.
Chapman, who has represented the Rushall-Shelfield ward, attended the “Unite the Kingdom” march on September 13, alongside her husband, Lee Chapman, who recently campaigned as a Conservative candidate in the Pelsall by-election. In her statement regarding the resignation, Chapman expressed significant concerns about the treatment of British citizens, claiming they are “being pushed to the back of the queue” in various aspects of society.
Concerns Over Equality and Justice
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Chapman articulated her frustrations about current policies related to equality and diversity, which she believes have led to unfair advantages for some groups. She stated, “I have watched our British people become not just tolerant but suppressed.” Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among certain political factions that mainstream parties are neglecting the needs of local communities.
Chapman criticized the existing frameworks for housing, benefits, healthcare, and employment, arguing that they often prioritize ethnicity over merit. “This is not equality. This is not justice. And the British people have had enough,” she asserted. Her remarks highlight a contentious debate surrounding social policies in the UK, especially as they relate to immigration and integration.
Advance UK, positioned as a right-wing alternative, is led by Ben Habib, a former deputy leader of Reform UK. The party has been characterized by some as far-right due to its policies and the support it receives from figures like Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Political Landscape and Free Speech
Chapman further elaborated on her motivations for joining Advance UK, claiming that the party is committed to defending free speech. “For too long, no mainstream party has been willing to truly defend free speech,” she stated. “Advance UK is the first party I’ve seen that refuses to silence ordinary people or shame them for raising concerns.” Her assertion resonates with a growing number of individuals who feel marginalized in political discussions.
The party had planned to launch officially in Newcastle-upon-Tyne but faced challenges when the local Labour-led city council canceled their booking at a hotel, citing health and safety concerns. This incident has sparked further debate about the freedoms of political expression and assembly in the UK.
As political dynamics shift in the UK, Chapman’s defection to Advance UK underscores a broader trend of disillusionment with traditional political structures. Her alignment with a party that champions what she describes as “honesty, courage, and the protection of British values” indicates a significant moment in her political journey and may reflect wider changes in voter sentiment across the country.
With her decision, Chapman joins a movement that seeks to voice the concerns of those who feel overlooked in contemporary political discourse, setting the stage for a potentially influential role within the evolving landscape of UK politics.
