Full Breakdown
County Councillor Nigel Swales Becomes First Reform UK Member to Join Labour
9/7/2026, 1:43:20 PM
Defection Highlights Shift in Local Politics
In May 2025, Nigel Swales, a councillor for Skelmersdale East on Lancashire County Council, announced his move from Reform UK to the Labour Party. His departure marks the first instance of a Reform UK representative defecting to Labour.
Background on Swales and Reform UK
Swales was originally elected as a Reform UK councillor in the May 2025 local elections. Prior to that, he had been a Labour supporter but had not held an active role within the party. Reform UK, a right-leaning political group, has seen several members move between parties, though most switches have involved the Conservative Party rather than Labour.
Impact on Lancashire County Council
Swales’s switch increases the Labour group on the council to six members. County Councillor Mark Clifford, leader of the Labour group, described the defection as “fantastic news” and suggested it could signal further gains for Labour in the authority. No other parties on the council reported immediate changes to their numbers.
Official Reactions
Labour officials welcomed the move, emphasizing the potential for stronger local governance. The BBC’s request for comment from Reform UK has not yet been answered, leaving the party’s official stance on the defection unrecorded.
The realignment underscores the fluid nature of local party affiliations and may influence future council dynamics in Lancashire.
