Darren Grimes: Brexit Campaigner Turned Reform UK Deputy Leader

Darren Grimes is a British political figure who has shifted from Brexit activism to elected office. Born on July 22, 1993, in Consett, County Durham, he now serves as Deputy Leader of Durham County Council representing Reform UK. His career spans media commentary, political activism, and local government.

Early Life and Education

Grimes grew up in a single-parent household in Consett, County Durham. He attended the University of Brighton, where he studied fashion and business studies but did not complete his degree. During university, his political interests developed, though his views would change significantly over the following years.

Political Evolution

While at university, Grimes was a Liberal Democrat activist. He worked on Norman Lamb’s unsuccessful 2015 party leadership campaign and publicly praised former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy for his pro-European Union stance. In a 2015 BBC interview, Grimes suggested Kennedy’s vocal support for the EU could benefit the Remain campaign in any future referendum.

By 2016, Grimes’ political position had shifted completely. He founded BeLeave, a pro-Brexit campaign group targeting younger voters during the European Union membership referendum. The campaign worked alongside Vote Leave, the official Leave campaign led by figures including Boris Johnson and Michael Gove. BeLeave used social media and grassroots tactics to argue that leaving the EU would give Britain greater control over its laws, borders, and economy.

Career Progression

After the referendum, Grimes built a career in conservative political circles. Between 2016 and 2018, he served as deputy editor of BrexitCentral, a political website founded by Matthew Elliott, the former Vote Leave chief executive. In 2018, he became digital manager for the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a free-market think tank.

In 2019, Grimes became associated with Turning Point UK, a right-wing youth organization established by Conservative Party donor George Farmer. The group is closely allied with Turning Point USA.

In May 2020, Grimes launched Reasoned, a website described as providing a platform for those “standing against the tide” who might otherwise hide their political views. The site is backed by the son of former Brexit Party MEP Lance Forman. According to Private Eye, content on Reasoned has drawn comparisons to material from the American conservative platform PragerU.

Electoral Commission Investigation

The Electoral Commission fined Grimes £20,000 in 2018 after determining that BeLeave had spent more than £675,000 with Canadian political consultancy AggregateIQ in coordination with Vote Leave, potentially violating electoral spending rules. The Commission also claimed Grimes and Vote Leave official David Alan Halsall made false declarations about the spending.

Grimes appealed the decision, stating his misstatements were unintentional. In 2020, a court overturned his fine, though Vote Leave withdrew its appeal and paid fines totaling £61,000. The Metropolitan Police ended its investigation into Grimes and Halsall in May 2020. In June 2021, the Electoral Commission Chairman apologized to Grimes in a Sunday Telegraph interview.

David Starkey Controversy

In July 2020, Grimes faced significant criticism after publishing an interview with historian David Starkey on his video platform. During the interview, Starkey made widely condemned comments about slavery and race. Grimes responded on Twitter: “I reject in the strongest possible terms what Dr Starkey said in that clip and so very wish I’d caught it at the time.”

The Metropolitan Police opened an investigation into Grimes for suspected incitement of racial hatred. Former Chancellor Sajid Javid condemned the remarks, while former Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald called the investigation “deeply threatening of free speech,” a view echoed by some Conservative MPs. The investigation concluded without charges.

Media Career

Grimes joined GB News in January 2022, hosting a weekend show called Real Britain. The program was cancelled in November 2022. He returned to GB News in April 2023, co-hosting The Saturday Five and serving as a stand-in presenter for other shows, including Neil Oliver’s program.

On March 1, 2025, Grimes announced his departure from GB News during The Saturday Five, stating he was leaving to “pursue personal projects.” He later clarified that the decision was his own and that he wanted to work outside broadcast censorship constraints. Alex Armstrong replaced him as host of The Saturday Five.

Throughout his media career, Grimes has written for publications including The Telegraph and The Spectator, focusing on Brexit, free speech, and cultural issues.

UK Political Career

In the May 2025 local elections, Grimes was elected as a Reform UK councillor for the Annfield Plain ward of Durham County Council, receiving 49.7% of the vote. Durham County Council came under Reform UK control following these elections, marking a significant shift for the historically Labour-dominated area.

On May 15, 2025, Grimes was elected Deputy Leader of Durham County Council, with responsibility for finance, policy, and communications. He serves under council leader Andrew Husband. In August 2025, Grimes was elected to the Reform UK board with the highest number of votes among candidates.

Council Leadership and Controversies

Since taking office, Grimes has faced several controversies. In July 2025, reports emerged that he told a constituent police had advised him not to hold public surgeries due to security concerns. However, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen’s office and Durham Constabulary both stated they had not given such advice. The incident raised questions about accountability to constituents.

In June 2025, Byline Times reported that Grimes initially failed to list political memberships on his register of interests, despite being a member of the Free Speech Union and Reform UK. His register was later updated.

In August 2025, Grimes faced an official complaint after posting a video to social media using AI-generated footage of Labour leader Keir Starmer. The video, in which Grimes spoke as a Reform councillor, depicted Starmer at the helm of a small boat with asylum seekers. Durham County Council confirmed they were investigating the complaint.

By November 2025, reports indicated that Durham County Council’s budget deficit had grown by £11.1 million in two months under Reform UK control. Grimes acknowledged the figures were “no joke” and stated the council would need to consider raising council tax, finding further savings, or using reserves.

Political Views

Grimes has expressed strong views on the European Convention on Human Rights, calling it “utterly bent” and stating in 2024: “Leave the ECHR! Please wake up to how serious this is for democracy!” He positions himself as a defender of free speech and conservative values, frequently criticizing what he describes as progressive overreach in British institutions.

As of early 2026, Grimes continues to serve as Deputy Leader of Durham County Council and sits on the Reform UK board. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), where he shares political commentary and engages with supporters. He also hosts The Grime Time podcast, featuring interviews with figures he describes as voices not often heard in mainstream media.

Conclusion

Darren Grimes represents a notable example of political transformation in modern Britain. From Liberal Democrat activism to Brexit campaigning to elected office with Reform UK, his career reflects broader shifts in British politics. While supporters view him as a principled advocate for free speech and conservative values, critics argue his rhetoric is divisive. His transition from media commentator to local government official demonstrates the connection between political activism, broadcasting, and electoral politics in contemporary Britain.