Lee Anderson has been on quite a journey since his time as a Labour councillor in Ashfield as recently as 2018: a switch to the Conservatives, elected as an MP, promoted to deputy chairman.Īnd now a third political party in six years. He declares in closing: "I want my country back."īy Matthew Thompson, political correspondent."I am prepared to gamble on myself," he says.Mr Anderson says he has been speaking with Reform "for a while", and has the opportunity to speak out in parliament on the party's behalf and on behalf of his constituents.He repeats his refusal to apologise for his comments about the London mayor that were labelled "Islamophobic" and led to his suspension as a Tory MP.He says he is "proud of our great country", but "we are giving away our way of life".Being "concerned" about issues like immigration, the "failing London mayor", and the "hate marches" on the streets of Britain is "not controversial".He hits out at the label "controversial", saying his opinions are shared by people across the country.He says he expects to be able to "speak my mind" in politics.Mr Anderson declares: "I want my country back".He has defected from the Tory party after being suspended weeks ago amid accusations of Islamophobia. Lee Anderson has just given his first speech as an MP for Reform UK.