Reform UK defectors reject calls for by-election

Caroline Clapper and Brett Rosehill announced their defection to Reform UK during the Conservative Party conference

Two councillors who defected from Conservative to Reform UK have rejected calls for one of them to resign and fight a by-election as a candidate for Nigel Farage's party.

Caroline Clapper, who sits on both Hertfordshire County and Hertsmere Borough councils, said a by-election would incur "a significant and unnecessary cost to the taxpayer".

Fellow defector Brett Rosehill said other councillors had switched parties and this was the first time demands had been made for a by-election.

Clapper also said there was no precedent for a poll being called following a politician's move to a different party.

While the Conservative Party conference was in full swing in Manchester, Reform UK announced that it had welcomed 20 councillors from the Tories.

Among them were Caroline Clapper and Brett Rosehill, who represented Aldenham West and East respectively.

Clapper was also the executive member for education, libraries and lifelong learning on Hertfordshire County Council - before the Conservatives lost control of that authority.

Steve Fraser, a Hertsmere voter, says councillors who change party should resign and contest a by-election

Steve Fraser, who lives in Potters Bar, said: "When our councillors decide to change parties part way through their term of office, they should resign so that an election is held.

"Most people intend their vote for a party in the election, rather than for the particular person standing.

"So, if someone decides to change party part way through their term it's only fair that they should resign and, if they like, stand again in their new colours."

On social media, Carol Ripley said: "Sorry but this is just not fair on voters who elected this councillor."

In the county council elections earlier this year, Clapper received 67% of the vote for the Conservatives in Watling ward.

The Reform UK candidate in the same ward came second with just 16%, but that result may not necessarily be replicated in a by-election.

Caroline Clapper was re-elected to the Watling ward in this year's election

Clapper said: "I completely understand that some residents may feel surprised or disappointed by my decision to join Reform UK after so many years as a Conservative.

"It is not a decision I have taken lightly.

"However, in local elections people vote first and foremost for the individual candidate they trust to work hard for them.

"There is no precedent for councillors standing down and calling a by-election after changing party affiliation, and such a move would incur a significant and unnecessary cost to the taxpayer."

Rosehill added: "During this administration alone, there have been five councillors who have switched parties, and this is the first time such demands have been made.

"Caroline and I have not changed our values, our passion, or our commitment to the residents we serve."