Michael Rees, councillor for Cam Valley, has made headlines after switching his allegiance from Reform UK to the far-right party Restore Britain, marking the first time Restore Britain has secured a seat on Gloucestershire County Council.
Cllr Rees attributed his decision to a growing dissatisfaction with the leadership of Reform UK. “I believe that they are no longer the party I once chose to stand, vote and campaign for, and that Restore Britain now better represents my values,” he explained.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Reform UK, with a spokesperson stating disappointment at what they described as a betrayal of voters who supported him under their banner last year. “Many Reform members volunteered their time, money and effort to help get representatives like Michael elected,” they said. “For him to turn his back on them in favour of a party with no prior electoral success in our county is staggering.”
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In response, Cllr Rees expressed regret but was unsurprised by Reform UK’s reaction. “I find it hypocritical, given the party has accepted many defections in the past,” he remarked, while wishing Reform UK success in the future.
Liberal Democrat leader on Gloucestershire County Council, Lisa Spivey (South Cerney), commented that this defection contributes to what she sees as growing instability within Reform UK. “Recent tracking has recorded numerous Reform councillors across the country either resigning, being suspended, or leaving the party,” she noted.
She further observed that the movement of former Reform councillors to Restore Britain highlights fragmentation within right-wing politics. “My wider concern is the increasingly divisive politics on the far right, with rhetoric that does not address the very real issues facing individuals, communities, and businesses, but instead serves to inflame tension,” she added.
Following this latest development, the political composition of Gloucestershire County Council stands at 27 Liberal Democrats, 9 Greens, 9 Reform UK councillors, 6 Conservatives, 2 Independents, 1 Labour member, and 1 Restore Britain representative.