Richard Tice: Boston & Skegness MP

Comprehensive Political Profile, Businessman & Brexit Leader

Explore the full Richard Tice biography, detailing his early life in Surrey, rise as a property CEO, pivotal role in Leave.EU and Leave Means Leave, service as MEP for the East of England, leadership of Reform UK, and election as MP for Boston and Skegness in July 2024. Discover Richard Tice’s political ideology, business achievements, controversies, and lasting influence on British Euroscepticism and post-Brexit politics.

Early Life and Education

Richard James Sunley Tice was born on 13 September 1964 in Farnham, Surrey, England, the grandson of property developer Bernard Sunley and son of philanthropist Joan Mary Tice (née Sunley). He was educated at the independent Uppingham School before earning a BSc in Construction Economics and Quantity Surveying from the University of Salford.

Business Career & Entry into Politics

Tice built his career in property asset management, serving as CEO of CLS Holdings from 2010 to 2014 and later as CEO of Quidnet Capital LLP. A long-time Conservative Party donor until 2019, he co-founded and co-chaired the pro-Brexit groups Leave.EU (2015) and Leave Means Leave (2016), leveraging his business acumen to finance and organise high-profile campaigns.

Member of the European Parliament

In the 2019 European elections, Tice was elected MEP for the East of England, serving from 23 May 2019 until the UK’s EU withdrawal on 31 January 2020. During his tenure, he focused on promoting British sovereignty, deregulation, and free-market principles within the European Parliament.

Leadership of Reform UK

After helping launch the Brexit Party (renamed Reform UK in 2021), Tice served as its inaugural Chairman from April 2019 to March 2021, then as Leader from March 2021 until June 2024, and briefly as Chairman again in June–July 2024. He continues to shape party strategy as Deputy Leader under Nigel Farage since 11 July 2024.

Member of Parliament for Boston & Skegness

At the 2024 general election, held on 4 July 2024, Richard Tice was elected MP for Boston and Skegness with a majority of 2,010 votes (5.0%), overturning the Conservative incumbent Matt Warman. His campaign emphasised local investment, controlled immigration, and reform of public services.

Political Ideology & Public Image

A staunch Eurosceptic and free-market advocate, Tice champions national sovereignty, reduced regulation, and fiscal conservatism. Known for his polished business persona and media savvy, he positions himself as a pragmatic reformer challenging both establishment parties.

Controversies & Criticisms

• Party Shareholdings: Owns one-third of the company controlling Reform UK, raising questions about governance transparency.
• Campaign Financing: His significant personal funding of Brexit campaigns has drawn scrutiny over the influence of wealth in politics.

Legacy & Influence

Richard Tice has reshaped UK political discourse by merging business leadership with populist campaigning. His roles in Brexit advocacy, Reform UK leadership, and parliamentary representation mark him as a central figure in the UK’s evolving post-EU landscape.