Councillor quits Reform UK over divergent views

Councillor Rowland O'Connor said his views and priorities had increasingly diverged from Reform's

Reform UK's deputy group leader on Cornwall Council has resigned from the party citing a difference in views.

Rowland O'Connor was one of 28 Reform councillors who won a seat during the local elections in May.

The councillor for St Columb Major, St Mawgan and St Wenn said it had become clear his priorities had "increasingly diverged" from the party's and he had decided to sit as an independent.

A Reform UK spokesperson said the party was saddened O'Connor had left while councillor Rob Parsonage, the group's leader at Cornwall Council, said he would "miss his counsel".

Reform remains the largest party at the council with 27 members, one ahead of the Liberal Democrats, who lead the authority after forming a coalition with the independent group.

O'Connor said he had made his decision after "careful reflection".

"Over recent months, it has become clear that my own views and priorities for how best to serve local residents have increasingly diverged from those of the party," he said.

"To continue representing our community with honesty and independence, I believe it is right to step away from party affiliation."

He said it had been an honour to represent the ward and he would keep working constructively across the council and the community.

'Political point scoring'

A statement from Reform UK said O'Connor had made a "lasting positive impact" on many people during his time with the party.

"We are saddened to see Rowland leave the group and we wish him well for the future," a spokesperson said.

Lib Dem MP for North Cornwall Ben Maguire, who O'Connor stood against in the 2024 general election, said the councillor's decision showed the area was "turning away from populism and political point scoring".