Story perspectives

Reform UK Councillor Resigns, Sparks St Columb Minor By-Election

11/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

Christine Parsonage, Reform UK councillor on Cornwall Council, has resigned due to health issues, triggering a by-election for St Columb Minor and Colan.
She was elected in May and faced criticism for living over 40 miles away.
She faced backlash for not attending meetings, but said she engaged with constituents by correspondence.
Reform UK has had mixed by-election results, with losses in Worcestershire and Stirling and gains in Stevenage and Thanet.

History

Historical Context

The Brexit Party, co-founded by Nigel Farage in 2018, gained prominence by winning 29 seats in the 2019 European Parliament elections. Renamed Reform UK in 2021, the party has faced challenges, including recent by-election losses and internal resignations, reflecting ongoing issues of representation in UK politics. As of 2023, two-thirds of its local councillors were former Conservatives, highlighting shifting political allegiances.

1 of 2

Story summary

Christine Parsonage, Reform UK councillor on Cornwall Council, has resigned due to health issues, triggering a by-election for St Columb Minor and Colan.
She was elected in May and faced criticism for living over 40 miles away.
She faced backlash for not attending meetings, but said she engaged with constituents by correspondence.
Reform UK has had mixed by-election results, with losses in Worcestershire and Stirling and gains in Stevenage and Thanet.

1 / 2