Reform UK has blocked Caroline Henry, the former Conservative police and crime commissioner for Nottinghamshire who was convicted of five speeding offences, from standing as a candidate for the party. Her husband, Darren Henry, the former Conservative MP for Broxtowe, was also barred.
The decision, made by party chairman Lee Anderson according to one Reform source, prompted a blunt statement from a party spokesperson: “Reform UK is not a dumping ground for failed Tory MPs.” Caroline Henry said she has “no idea” who made the decision, but insisted she had been motivated by a desire for change.
“Reform UK blocks ex-police boss Caroline Henry from standing as candidate after speeding conviction.”
“I’ve always believed that if you want to see change, you shouldn’t simply sit on the sidelines and complain about it,” she told the Nottingham Post. “You should be prepared to roll up your sleeves, get involved and make a positive contribution.”
Caroline Henry served as Conservative police and crime commissioner from 2021 until she lost the role to Labour’s Gary Godden in a 2024 election. Her tenure was overshadowed by a speeding conviction that saw her leave court in July 2022 with a £2,450 fine and a six-month driving ban. Darren Henry lost his Broxtowe seat at the 2024 general election to Labour’s Juliet Campbell, having served as MP since 2019.
The pair recently joined Reform UK alongside each other, but were blocked from becoming parliamentary candidates. Darren Henry, a former RAF serviceman who served in Iraq, said Reform’s policies resonated with him as the son of Windrush Generation parents.
Meanwhile, the party has gained a high-profile supporter in Tim Montgomerie, the former editor of Conservative Home. Speaking to Channel 4 News, Montgomerie – who has joined Reform – said: “Reform UK doesn’t need to worry about Restore.” His comment came as the party continues to attract former Conservative figures, including Lee Anderson and Robert Jenrick, while shutting the door on others it deems “failed”.