Those are the views of County Councillor Cllr Sam Adeniji, (60) who has explained his decision to join the Reform Party, representing Seaford.
Cllr Adeniji, who lives in the town, has been serving as an Independent councillor since 2024, when he resigned from the Conservative Party.
He put that decision down to the Party Whip system at County Hall which, he believed, 'silenced local voices.'
Now this week he announced he has joined Reform and is Leader of the Reform UK Group on East Sussex County Council. He is one of two Reform councillors on the local authority, the other is Aidan Fisher who represents Hastings (Ashdown and Conquest).
On social media there has been personal support for Cllr Adeniji accompanied by extensive concern that the town is now represented by Reform, not the party local people voted for.
Ann Marr posted: "An absolute betrayal. How could he? Reform wants to dismantle our freedoms and who will run our hospitals when they cancel people's right to be here and contribute?" But Bill Payne disagreed. He said: "No they don't. Reform wants a Bill of Rights that gives British people control."
Josh Style feels: "With the state of the country at the moment I'm not surprised he went to Reform. Only sane choice." To which Valerie Bamping responded: "I don't understand the thinking at all. You all hated the Tories so now you vote for Reform, a party choked with failed Tories." Dora Green summed up many peoples' feelings saying: "Out of the frying pan into the fire."
Assessed overall on social media, about as many people support Cllr Adeniji's position, as oppose it. Most concern stems from those who believe a politician should remain true to the principles and party upon which he/she was elected.
Cllr Adeniji said his principles have not changed. "I joined Reform UK because they believe in common sense, local accountability and breaking the grip of the old party machines that have let East Sussex down. My passion and commitment to getting the best for our lovely town of Seaford remains undiminished.
"This election is not about Westminster politics. It is about who will fight for Seaford North. It is about someone who knows your street, understands your frustrations and is not afraid to ruffle feathers in Lewes to get our town the deal it deserves."
He told the Express: "Residents' views matter tremendously to me. The fact is I was always right of centre so that hasn't changed. We all have different political views and I have chosen to align myself with this political cause. I will always be passionate about my town and I shall remain so even if I am not re-elected."