Two former Conservative Party figures from Walsall have taken on senior roles within the new right-wing political movement, Advance UK, as the party accelerates its national expansion.
From Tory Resignation to Advance UK Leadership
Councillor Jade Chapman, who represents the Rushall-Shelfield ward, officially joined Advance UK in November 2025. Her move came two months after she resigned from the Conservative Party. This resignation followed her attendance at the Tommy Robinson 'Unite the Kingdom' march alongside her husband, Lee Chapman.
Lee Chapman's own political trajectory saw him stand as the Conservative candidate in the Pelsall by-election just a week before that march. He was defeated, coming second to Reform UK's Councillor Graham Eardley.
A National Expansion with Regional Directors
Advance UK has now confirmed the formal appointment of both Jade and Lee Chapman as regional directors for the West Midlands. They are part of a cohort of seven new regional directors announced by the party.
Among the other appointees is Michelle Ballantyne, the former leader of Reform UK in Scotland. Ballantyne left Reform after being suspended by the party. The suspension was related to her role as an administrator of a Facebook group that contained material deemed racist and far-right. Ballantyne stated at the time that she had not posted in the group or used her administrative powers for several months.
The Principles and Future of Advance UK
Advance UK was formed last year by Ben Habib, the former deputy leader of Reform UK. While some commentators have described the party's policies as far-right, Advance UK states its foundation is based on what it calls the "rare" principle "that the UK should be governed in the interests of its own people."
Commenting on the new appointments, Advance UK's national director, Richard Thomson, said: "The appointment of regional directors reflects Advance UK's commitment to building a serious political movement from the ground up."
He added, "While other parties talk about change, we are building it. Advance UK is a movement driven by clear principles and by the will of ordinary people who have had enough of politics being done to them rather than for them."
The appointments signal a concerted push by the emerging party to establish a structured regional presence across the United Kingdom, drawing on figures who have become disaffected with more established political groups.
