Councillors Defect from Conservatives to Reform UK

Several recent defections from the Conservative Party to Reform UK have highlighted shifting political allegiances in local councils across the UK. Alec Leishman, a councillor from Erskine and Inchinnan, switched to Reform UK, prompting calls from SNP leader Iain Nicolson for a by-election, which Leishman resisted, claiming strong support from his constituents. In Cornwall, Kevin Towill's departure from the Conservatives marked him as the sole Reform UK representative on the council, with party leader Nigel Farage expressing optimism for future gains in the upcoming elections. Additionally, Dan Sutherland, a long-serving Labour councillor in Calderdale, joined Reform UK, citing a disconnection between Labour's current values and those of his constituents. These changes reflect a growing trend of dissatisfaction within traditional parties, with former members seeking alignment with Reform UK's platform. This wave of defections may signal potential shifts in local governance and electoral dynamics as local elections approach.