Ex-Ukip leader and Brexit pioneer dies at 2023 event
- Jeffrey Titford, a former leader of Ukip and a key figure in the Brexit movement, died at the age of 90.
- He began his political career as a Conservative councillor and later joined the Referendum Party, advocating for the UK's exit from the EU.
- His efforts were instrumental in the 2016 Brexit referendum, where the UK voted to leave the EU, marking a significant political shift.
Jeffrey Titford, a prominent figure in the UK Independence Party and a key advocate for Brexit, passed away at the age of 90. His political journey began as a Conservative councillor in Clacton, but he became disillusioned with the party after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which he viewed as detrimental to Britain's sovereignty. This led him to join the Referendum Party, where he campaigned for the UK to leave the European Union. Titford was elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 1999, representing the East of England constituency. His election coincided with a growing public sentiment against the Euro and EU membership, which he capitalized on by advocating for a party that aligned with these views. His efforts contributed to the rise of Ukip and the eventual success of the Brexit campaign. In the lead-up to the 2016 referendum, Titford's vision for an independent Britain gained traction, culminating in a narrow victory for the leave campaign. His belief that EU membership was incompatible with British self-governance resonated with many voters, reflecting a significant shift in public opinion. Colleagues and friends remember Titford as a visionary who played a crucial role in shaping the Brexit narrative. His legacy as one of the 'fathers of Brexit' is marked by his unwavering commitment to advocating for a Britain free from EU constraints, a goal that was ultimately realized with the UK's official exit from the EU in 2020.