Advance UK has strengthened its foothold in local government with the addition of a serving Cambridgeshire county councillor, as the party continues its push to position itself as a principled alternative within British politics.
The party announced that Councillor Desmond Watt has agreed, jointly with Advance UK, to sit as an Advance UK councillor on Cambridgeshire County Council. The move marks a further expansion of the party’s representation at local authority level and underscores its emphasis on decentralised decision-making, democratic accountability and the role of experienced elected officials.
Advance UK, led by Ben Habib, was established on the premise that politics in the UK has become overly centralised and driven by personality-led leadership rather than clear principles and community service. The party argues that elected representatives should be empowered to speak and act freely on behalf of their constituents, without direction from national party structures detached from local realities.
Councillor Watt’s decision follows a period of political reassessment after his election to Cambridgeshire County Council. He was previously a member of Reform UK, where he also served as Party Whip. However, according to Advance UK, he became increasingly disillusioned with what he saw as a lack of genuine local autonomy and a decision-making culture dominated by central party control.
During a subsequent period sitting independently, while continuing his role as a parish councillor in Yaxley and Farcet, Councillor Watt reflected on his future political alignment. Advance UK said this period reinforced his view that there is a need for a political movement that values experience, local knowledge and principled decision-making, rather than rigid party discipline.
Explaining his decision to align with Advance UK, Councillor Watt said:
“I entered politics to serve my community honestly and responsibly. Over time, it became clear to me that British politics needs a party that values principle over personality, experience over control, and integrity over convenience.
Advance UK offers exactly that. It is a party grounded in clear values, respectful of local democracy, and serious about restoring trust between voters and those who represent them. That is why I have chosen to support Advance UK.”
The party views his move as emblematic of a broader dissatisfaction among some elected representatives with established and newer political parties alike. Advance UK positions itself as a vehicle for councillors who want to prioritise local interests without being constrained by national party directives.
Welcoming Councillor Watt, Ben Habib said his background and approach reflected the type of political culture the party aims to promote.
“Desmond Watt represents the kind of public servant Britain needs more of — experienced, principled, and grounded in the communities he serves. He understands that politics is not about personal power or centralised control, but about duty, accountability, and respect for the democratic process.
We are delighted that, together, we have agreed he will sit as an Advance UK councillor as we work to bring principle and seriousness back into British politics.”
Advance UK has made repeated calls for greater respect for local government and the role of councillors, arguing that experience accumulated over years of public service should be treated as an asset rather than an obstacle. The party rejects tightly controlled, hierarchical party models in favour of what it describes as a more collegiate and democratic structure.
Councillor Watt’s decision is being framed by the party as part of a wider shift among politicians and voters who feel unrepresented by what they see as establishment politics on one hand and personality-driven movements on the other. Advance UK says it is seeking to build a national presence rooted in local representation, with councillors playing a central role in shaping policy and public engagement.
While still a relatively new political force, Advance UK has indicated that it expects further announcements as it continues to attract councillors and supporters aligned with its focus on integrity, accountability and national interest. The party said it would continue to welcome those prepared to prioritise principle and democratic responsibility over party loyalty, as it seeks to expand its influence across local government in the UK.
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