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Reform UK Councillor Defects, Conservatives Gain Control in Bucks

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kathy Gibbon, Reform UK councillor, defected to the Conservatives, giving them overall control of Buckinghamshire Council.
Labour's Eris Robertson called the move a "slap in the face" to voters and demanded a by-election in Gibbon's ward.
Gibbon, elected for Reform UK last year, said the defection would boost her effectiveness within a strong, experienced team.
The council now has four political groups, with the Conservatives holding 49 seats.

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Story summary

Kathy Gibbon, Reform UK councillor, defected to the Conservatives, giving them overall control of Buckinghamshire Council.
Labour's Eris Robertson called the move a "slap in the face" to voters and demanded a by-election in Gibbon's ward.
Gibbon, elected for Reform UK last year, said the defection would boost her effectiveness within a strong, experienced team.
The council now has four political groups, with the Conservatives holding 49 seats.