Ben Habib is a prominent British-Pakistani businessman and politician who currently serves as the leader of Advance UK, a political party he founded in June 2025. He rose to national prominence as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for London representing the Brexit Party from 2019 to 2020 and later served as the Co-Deputy Leader of Reform UK until July 2024. Outside of politics, Habib is a highly successful real estate executive, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of First Property Group plc, a commercial property investment firm listed on the London Stock Exchange (AIM).
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about Ben Habib’s early life in Karachi and his migration to the UK, his rapid ascent in the world of corporate finance, and his transition into a leading voice for Euroscepticism. We will also explore his high-profile legal challenges against the Northern Ireland Protocol, his fallout with Nigel Farage, and his 2026 efforts to reshape British populism through his new political movement.
Early Life and Academic Background
Benyamin Naeem Habib was born on June 7, 1965, in Karachi, Pakistan, to a Pakistani father and an English mother. He moved to the United Kingdom in 1979 at the age of 13, where he received a quintessential British elite education.
He attended Rugby School, one of the UK’s oldest independent boarding schools, where he excelled both academically and in sports, eventually becoming Head Boy. He later studied Natural Sciences at Robinson College, Cambridge, where he earned a “Boxing Blue,” a prestigious award given to athletes representing the university in the varsity match against Oxford.
Career in Corporate Finance
Following his graduation from Cambridge, Habib began his professional journey in the City of London during the late 1980s. He started as an analyst in the corporate finance department of Shearson Lehman Brothers in 1987, gaining foundational experience in global markets.
In 1989, at the young age of 24, he was appointed Finance Director of PWS Holdings plc, a FTSE 350 insurance brokerage. This role solidified his reputation as a “wunderkind” in finance, managing the fiscal health of a major listed company before transitioning into the property sector.
First Property Group and Business Success
In 2000, Ben Habib founded First Property Group plc, a commercial property fund management and investment company. Under his leadership as CEO, the firm expanded its operations across the United Kingdom, Poland, and Romania, managing hundreds of millions of pounds in assets.
Habib is recognized as one of the wealthiest figures to have entered recent British politics, with his business success providing the financial independence to fund his political activities. Even while serving as an MEP, he remained active as CEO, frequently being cited as the highest-earning member of the European Parliament at the time.
Entry into Politics (2019)
Originally a Conservative Party donor, Habib became disillusioned with the government’s handling of the 2016 Brexit referendum result. He officially joined the Brexit Party, led by Nigel Farage, in 2019 to ensure the UK left the European Union without further delays.
In the 2019 European Parliament elections, he was elected as an MEP for London. During his short tenure in Brussels, he was a vocal member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, consistently advocating for a “clean break” Brexit and a “No-deal” scenario to maximize British sovereignty.
The Northern Ireland Protocol Challenge
One of Habib’s most significant political contributions is his relentless opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol. Despite initially voting for the Withdrawal Agreement, he later became one of its fiercest critics, arguing it undermined the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.
In 2021, alongside figures like Baroness Kate Hoey and Jim Allister, Habib launched a judicial review of the Protocol. Although the legal challenge was ultimately dismissed by the UK Supreme Court in 2023, the case brought intense national scrutiny to the trade barriers created in the Irish Sea and solidified Habib’s status as a champion of Unionism.
Leadership Roles in Reform UK
As the Brexit Party transitioned into Reform UK, Habib took on a more central leadership role. In March 2023, he was appointed Co-Deputy Leader of the party, serving alongside David Bull and working closely with then-leader Richard Tice.
He contested the Wellingborough by-election in February 2024, securing a notable 13% of the vote and helping to establish Reform UK as a serious electoral threat to the Conservative Party. However, internal tensions began to mount following the 2024 General Election when Nigel Farage returned as leader and restructured the party hierarchy.
Formation of Advance UK (2025)
In July 2024, Ben Habib was removed as Deputy Leader of Reform UK by Nigel Farage as part of a move to “professionalize” the party. Habib criticized the decision and the party’s new constitution as undemocratic, leading to his eventual resignation from Reform UK in November 2024.
By June 2025, Habib launched Advance UK, a new populist political party positioned to the right of Reform UK. The party focuses on “mass deportations,” the total abolition of the Northern Ireland Protocol, and a rejection of what Habib describes as the “establishment lies” of existing populist leaders.
Political Ideology and Worldview
Habib’s political stance is often described as unapologetically nationalistic and fiscally conservative. He advocates for zero net migration, the repeal of “Net Zero” climate targets, and a significant reduction in the size of the British state to stimulate economic growth.
He has gained notoriety for his “hardline” rhetoric on illegal migration, famously stating in a 2024 interview that those crossing the Channel in small boats should be left to suffer the consequences of their actions. This “common sense” approach, as he calls it, has attracted a dedicated following among voters who feel Reform UK has become too moderate.
Business Career Start
Habib launched his career in 1987 as an analyst in Lehman Brothers’ corporate finance department in London’s City. By 1989, at age 24, he became finance director of insurance broker PWS Holdings, overseeing multimillion-pound deals. This rapid ascent showcased his financial acumen in volatile markets.
Transitioning to property in 1994, he served as managing director of JKL Property, a private development firm focused on commercial real estate. These roles built expertise in investments across the UK and Eastern Europe. His early finance work emphasized risk assessment, key to later successes.
Habib’s Lehman stint exposed him to global mergers and acquisitions. At PWS, he streamlined operations amid regulatory changes. Property entry aligned with London’s booming market, positioning him for independent ventures.
Founding First Property Group
In 2000, Habib founded First Property Group plc, a commercial property fund manager listed on the London Stock Exchange. Operating in the UK, Poland, and Romania, the firm specializes in value-add investments, acquiring underperforming assets for renovation and resale. As CEO, he grew it into an FCA-regulated powerhouse with assets exceeding hundreds of millions.
By 2024, despite a £4.41 million pre-tax loss, Habib authorized a £3 million share issue to bolster liquidity. In July 2025, he bought £80,000 in shares, raising his stake to nearly 17 percent, signaling strong confidence. The company’s Eastern European focus capitalized on post-communist growth.
First Property’s strategy involves hands-on asset management, turning distressed properties into high-yield performers. Habib’s hands-on leadership navigated Brexit uncertainties and economic downturns. Today, it remains a FTSE-listed entity under his stewardship.
Political Entry
Habib entered politics in 2019 with the Brexit Party, responding to Theresa May’s failed withdrawal negotiations. Elected MEP for London in the European Parliament elections, he served until Brexit completion on January 31, 2020. His campaign emphasized uncompromised EU exit, resonating with disillusioned voters.
Post-MEP, he joined Reform UK in March 2023, rising to Deputy Leader under Richard Tice and Nigel Farage. He boosted polls from 6 to 16 percent through media appearances. Resignation in July 2024 stemmed from governance disputes, highlighting his commitment to principles.
Habib’s political debut leveraged business-honed communication skills. MEP role focused on scrutinizing EU laws impacting UK sovereignty. Reform UK tenure amplified his national profile.
MEP Role Achievements
As London MEP from July 2019 to January 2020, Habib grilled commissioners on trade barriers. He opposed the Northern Ireland Protocol fiercely, arguing it undermined UK unity. Non-attached group membership allowed independent stances.
Key speeches targeted fishing rights and regulatory alignment. He collaborated with international allies against supranational overreach. Short tenure maximized impact through viral debates.
Habib documented votes against EU budgets harming British interests. His work ethic earned respect across aisles. Exit coincided with Brexit, fulfilling his mandate.
Reform UK Involvement
Joining Reform UK elevated Habib to co-Deputy Leader alongside David Bull. He spearheaded Northern Ireland Protocol opposition, touring Ulster to rally unionists. Party growth under his influence peaked at 16 percent nationally.
Internal tensions over candidate selection and funding led to his July 2024 exit. He criticized leadership for diluting core messages. Departure was public, via open letter citing integrity.
Habib’s energy drove membership drives and rallies. Media savvy boosted Reform’s visibility. Exit paved way for independent ventures.
Founding Advance UK
Habib launched Advance UK in June 2025, attracting 30,000 members in two months, ranking seventh-largest UK party. The platform prioritizes sovereignty, controlled immigration, and economic patriotism. Rapid growth reflects voter frustration with major parties.
As leader, he tours nationwide, filling venues with talks on democracy restoration. Party constitution emphasizes member democracy, avoiding top-down control. Advance UK positions as Reform’s principled alternative.
Launch event in London drew hundreds, with online sign-ups surging. Policies target net zero skepticism and border security. Habib’s vision: reclaim British confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ben Habib?
Ben Habib is a British-Pakistani businessman, CEO of First Property Group, and a prominent populist politician who formerly served as an MEP and Deputy Leader of Reform UK.
What is Ben Habib’s net worth?
As of 2026, his net worth is estimated at approximately £5 million to £10 million, largely derived from his long career in corporate finance and commercial property.
Why did Ben Habib leave Reform UK?
He left in November 2024 after being demoted from Deputy Leader by Nigel Farage. He cited the party’s “undemocratic” structure and ideological shifts as his primary reasons for resigning.
What is Advance UK?
Advance UK is a political party founded by Ben Habib in 2025. It advocates for stricter immigration controls, the restoration of full sovereignty over Northern Ireland, and populist economic reforms.
Is Ben Habib still the CEO of First Property Group?
Yes, he continues to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of First Property Group plc while leading his political party.
What was his role in the Northern Ireland Protocol legal case?
He was a lead claimant in a judicial review that challenged the Protocol’s legality under the Acts of Union. The case went to the Supreme Court before being dismissed in early 2023.
What is his stance on immigration?
Habib supports mass deportations for illegal arrivals and a “net zero” migration policy to protect British social fabric and infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
As we move through 2026, Ben Habib remains a polarizing yet undeniably influential figure in the landscape of British populism. His transition from a high-flying City of London executive to a “conviction politician” has provided a unique blueprint for how business acumen can be leveraged in the service of ideological purity. While his tenure as an MEP was defined by the structural exit from the European Union, his subsequent years have been dedicated to what he terms “completing the job”—specifically regarding the full constitutional restoration of Northern Ireland and the implementation of a “net-zero” migration policy.
The formation of Advance UK represents Habib’s final break from the established populist movements led by Nigel Farage and Richard Tice. By positioning himself as the guardian of “unfiltered” Unionism and economic nationalism, Habib has carved out a niche for voters who find mainstream populism too compromised by parliamentary optics. Whether his new movement achieves electoral breakthrough or remains a high-pressure lobby group, Ben Habib’s legacy is firmly rooted in his role as a relentless challenger of the UK’s post-Brexit status quo and a fierce defender of the Acts of Union.
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