Reform UK appoints anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ+ adviser James Orr to Nigel Farage's senior team

Reform UK has appointed James Orr, a Cambridge University associate professor and outspoken critic of same-sex marriage and abortion, as a senior adviser to Nigel Farage. Orr, who has described asylum seekers as "invaders" and opposed abortion even in cases of rape, is also known for his anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-transgender views. He is closely connected with American right-wing figures such as JD Vance and the late Charlie Kirk and has been influential in Donald Trump’s administration, with his think tank, the Centre for a Better Britain, described as "MAGA-style." Orr's appointment has drawn criticism from Labour and Liberal Democrats, who accuse Reform UK of importing divisive and extremist ideas from U.S. MAGA politics. Reform UK, however, defends Orr as a brilliant academic who will help the party attract talented patriots and shape the future of the country. The move signals a shift toward more hardline conservative positions within Reform UK, particularly on immigration, abortion, and traditional marriage.