Leadership

Leadership Team

A proven business leader and steadfast voice for a confident, forward-looking United Kingdom.

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"I love my country, I love you, and I will not falter. I will deliver for you."
Ben Habib, Leader of Advance UK Leader, Advance UK

Leadership Team

Portrait of Richard Thomson

Richard Thomson

National Director

Richard Thomson served eight years as a Royal Marine Commando, where he developed the discipline, resilience, and duty to country that continue to define his work today. After leaving the forces, he built a career in the financial technologies industry, gaining insight into innovation and enterprise at the heart of the modern economy.

Alongside his professional work, Richard has established himself as a journalist, political commentator, and campaigner committed to defending Britain's culture, heritage, and future.

A proud patriot, he speaks with clarity and conviction on issues of sovereignty, democracy, and national pride.

Portrait of Yvette Cleland

Yvette Cleland

National Nominating Officer

Yvette served 12 years guiding a life sciences staffing group from start-up to global rollout before refocusing her energy on national service and community safety.

  • Scaled a specialist staffing firm through acquisition and international expansion as CEO.
  • Recognised twice among the top fifty most influential women in staffing and a respected commentator on emerging skill gaps.
  • Pioneered degree-based apprenticeship trailblazers and an award-winning graduate pathway into biopharma.
  • Now lends her expertise to Boudicca's Daughters, The Great British PAC, and national political forums tackling VAWG.

Owned by Our Members

From day one, Advance UK has been constitutionally designed to prevent the concentration of power. We are ultimately owned by our members. The Leader is responsible for appointing the party's operational staff and regional officers, ensuring the team is built to deliver the mission effectively. Ultimate oversight sits with our College of up to 100 elected Members who hold the power to direct the Board and, if necessary, remove the Leader by secret ballot. No other party on the centre-right publishes a constitution that is fully owned by its members, protects them from arbitrary removal, and prevents any single individual from controlling the party alone.

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