Story perspectives

Conservative Councillor Defects to Reform UK Amid Resignations

11/7/2025

Center

Jellyman Joins Reform

Councillor Daniel Jellyman defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK after serving on Stoke-on-Trent City Council since 2015.
He criticized Conservative decisions as being made by unelected, out-of-touch bureaucrats.
Reform UK welcomed Jellyman and predicted a trend of further defections.
Heather Blurton and Maxine Clark, Conservative councillors, resigned from the Conservative Party to become non-aligned.
The Conservatives expressed disappointment over these departures and said they must address members' concerns.

Right

Reform UK Gains Seats

Reform UK won seats in Newark and Sherwood, with Kay Smith and Michelle Home as Reform UK candidates defeating Conservatives.
Jonny Austin of Reform UK won Reform's first Harborough Council seat in Leicestershire, outperforming Tory and Liberal Democrat candidates.
The Liberal Democrats gained a seat in Okehampton South, challenging Conservative dominance in key areas.
Analysts say Reform UK's momentum is growing as the political landscape shifts ahead of upcoming elections.

Left

Tice Critiques Government

Reform event in Surrey drew attendees who labeled the Liberal Democrats "communists."
Reform party leader Richard Tice claimed the government borrowed £100 billion this year, a statement criticized for inaccuracy.
Supporters, older conservatives, rallied around immigration and net-zero opposition, reflecting frustration with traditional politics.
One attendee, a former Conservative member, signaled a Tory-Reform alliance.
Tice promised to maintain fossil fuel use, resonating with energy policy and sovereignty concerns.

History

Historical Context

The formation of Reform UK in 2019, evolving from the Brexit Party, signaled a shift in British politics amid growing dissatisfaction with established parties like the Conservatives. In the 2019 general election, the party received over 2 million votes, reflecting public discontent. Recent defections, including Councillor Daniel Jellyman, highlight ongoing unrest within Conservative ranks, potentially reshaping future political alliances.

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Jellyman Joins Reform

Councillor Daniel Jellyman defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK after serving on Stoke-on-Trent City Council since 2015.
He criticized Conservative decisions as being made by unelected, out-of-touch bureaucrats.
Reform UK welcomed Jellyman and predicted a trend of further defections.
Heather Blurton and Maxine Clark, Conservative councillors, resigned from the Conservative Party to become non-aligned.
The Conservatives expressed disappointment over these departures and said they must address members' concerns.

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