Nationwide chair first major British lender boss to publicly engage with Reform UK

"It emerged on Wednesday that Parry, who has been chair of the member-owned building society since 2016, attended a breakfast event earlier this week meant to help companies understand Reform's approach to business. The breakfast event was hosted by Sanctuary Counsel, a consultancy focused on building, enhancing and protecting the reputation of clients, with Parry seated next to Reform's deputy leader, Richard Tice."

"It makes Parry the first senior boss from a UK bank or lender to be publicly seen with the party, which has outlined controversial policies including the mass deportation of asylum seekers, ripping up green energy contracts, and stripping the City watchdog of its power to regulate the banking industry. The building society, which is owned by its 17 million members, defended Parry's attendance which was first reported by the Financial Times saying it was part of routine engagement with parties across the political spectrum."

Nationwide defended chair Kevin Parry after he attended a Reform UK breakfast event aimed at helping companies understand the party's approach to business. Parry has been chair of the member-owned building society since 2016 and was seated next to Reform deputy leader Richard Tice. Sanctuary Counsel hosted the event. Reform has outlined controversial policies including mass deportation of asylum seekers, ripping up green energy contracts, and stripping the City watchdog of regulatory power. Nationwide said Parry's meetings with political representatives are routine and reflect commitment to constructive dialogue. Businesses largely sent junior staff to Reform events, while trade bodies dispatched public affairs executives.

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