A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councillor who defected from the Conservative party to Reform UK says he believes families of international students should not travel to the country alongside those studying at university.
Duane Farr, councillor for the Kinson ward, announced he would be joining Reform earlier this week.
One policy established by Reform at the last General Election aimed to restrict family members coming to the UK with international students, a view Cllr Farr said he agrees with.
“If everyone comes over – all the family members – how can you plan for that when it comes to things like the NHS and schools?
“You’ve got to then plan for all these extra people,” he added.
“It’s great to have international students, but we need to be sort of cautious [about] bringing all their families across with them.”
Originally a UK Independence Party (UKIP) member, Cllr Farr joined the Conservatives, saying they were the right party to deliver.
Alongside fellow Kinson councillor Cameron Adams, Cllr Farr left the party earlier this week, saying Reform was “consistent” with his views.
“I didn’t leave the Conservative Party, the Conservative Party left me,” Cllr Farr said.
“[The Conservative party] unfortunately haven’t got control over the borders of immigration and equal immigration.”
Looking towards the next run of elections, Cllr Farr said he believes Reform UK leader Nigel Farage will “almost likely” become Prime Minister.
“We’re getting prepared for 2027 as a party locally,” he said.
“It’s just the two of us, but we’re speaking to others.”
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