A Reform UK county councillor has switched sides to the Conservatives. Charlotte Kelly, who represents Leek Rural on Staffordshire County Council, announced her political defection this morning.
Cllr Kelly secured her seat as a Reform representative in May last year, when Nigel Farage's movement achieved a groundbreaking electoral victory by seizing control of the authority. However, she revealed that following her election, she faced personal challenges within Reform, which ultimately prompted her departure from the party.
Cllr Kelly, who had previously been aligned with the Conservative Party, considers it her 'natural home'. Her switch boosts the council's opposition Conservative faction to 12 members, while reducing the number of councillors in the governing Reform bloc to 43.
Another loss for Farage
Cllr Kelly said: 'Having previously been a member of the Conservative Party, I already knew many of the people involved and the values they stand for. I am a traditional conservative and under Kemi Badenoch's leadership I feel the party is my natural home.'
'I am looking forward to working with colleagues who share my commitment to serving local residents and to treating all people fairly and equally,' she added, as reported by Stoke on Trent Live.
'This decision is about ensuring I can continue to represent the people of Leek Rural effectively and positively. My focus remains on delivering for residents and standing up for the communities I was elected to serve.'
Conservative group leader Philip White extended a warm welcome to Cllr Kelly, praising her as a 'dedicated and hardworking' councillor.
Cllr White stated: 'She has spoken openly about the difficulties she has faced as a Reform member and throughout that time we have sought to offer friendship, support and encouragement. Charlotte knows the Conservative team well from her previous involvement with the party, and we are pleased that she has decided to re-join.'
'Her experience, local knowledge and commitment to Leek Rural will make her a valuable member of our group, and I look forward to working alongside her to deliver for residents across Staffordshire.'
Reform secured 49 of the 62 county council seats in last year's election, but the party's numbers have dwindled over the past 13 months. Three former Reform councillors, including two ex-group leaders, currently sit as independents, while two others have stepped down from the authority.
A by-election is set to take place for the vacant Stretton seat in East Staffordshire later this month, following the resignation of Reform councillor Barry Martin.
