Councillor Alan Preest has officially left the Conservative Party to join Reform UK, expressing his belief that the Tory presence in the Forest of Dean is “dead in the water.” Preest, a well-known local figure, stated that his decision reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the Conservatives' direction and effectiveness in the area. He also suggested that other former Conservative colleagues might follow his lead and switch allegiance to Reform UK, signaling a potential shift in local political dynamics.