DONCASTER, UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / December 08, 2025 / Advance UK has confirmed that Nicola Brown, councillor for Adwick, Carcroft and Woodlands on Doncaster Council, has joined the party following its registration with the Electoral Commission last week. She will sit immediately as an Advance councillor.

Advance UK was soft launched on 30 June with a draft constitution and a self-imposed target of reaching 30,000 members before applying for formal registration. Since then, a number of councillors from across the political spectrum have joined or signalled an intention to join. Registration now allows them to sit publicly under the Advance banner.

Announcing her decision, Nicola Brown said she could no longer remain with Reform UK after being required to support a major financial commitment without the information she felt she needed.

She said:

“I was elected to represent local people and to make decisions in their best interests. I support reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, but not at a cost that risks Doncaster’s finances and public services for a generation, especially when private investment options had not been fully explored."

“I wanted to vote against the 57 million pound borrowing proposal until we had the full facts. Instead we were instructed to vote for it or lose the whip."

"Doncaster Reform councillors work incredibly hard and genuinely try to do their best for our city, and I will always respect that and them."

"My decision today is not about them, it’s about a party that wanted me to go against what my conscience and mind was telling me and therefore sacrifice my principles”

Ben Habib, leader of Advance UK, welcomed her decision. He said:

"I am delighted Nickie has joined us. Like me, she entered politics because of the dire state in which the country now finds itself."

“And, like me, she is principled."

“I am amazed that Reform, which claims to stand for reduced government expenditure, would whip its Councillors to support a speculative capital intensive project. Doncaster Sheffield airport collapsed in financial ruin a few years ago. Restarting it with tax payers’ money is irresponsible, especially given the losses incurred by Doncaster Council last year and the need to invest in more urgent local services.

“I welcome Nickie to the Party and look forward to working with her.”

Advance UK is committed to strengthening the nation state of the United Kingdom, upholding the UK’s Christian constitutional heritage, protecting freedom, restoring democracy, and ensuring equality under the law.

For more information or to join Advance, visit www.advanceuk.org.uk.

Media enquiries: press@advanceuk.org.uk