Conservative councillor defects to Reform UK

Denise Howard is greeted by Jon Dimberline, Reform UK's only other representative on East Riding of Yorkshire Council

An East Riding Of Yorkshire councillor has left the Conservative Party to join Reform UK.

Councillor Denise Howard is one of 20 Conservative councillors from across the country announced as defectors by Nigel Farage's party.

Howard, who represents the East Wolds and Coastal ward, said: "The Conservative Party is over. Only Reform UK can deliver the change Britain needs."

The Conservative Party said has been approached for a comment.

The defections, welcomed by the Reform UK leader, have come during the Conservatives' conference which is being held in Manchester.

'Period of renewal'

Howard said: "Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told her party conference that change won't be easy, but we simply don't have the time for dither and delay.

"The Conservatives are playing catch-up and have lost their credibility."

She said as a Reform UK councillor, she would encourage open debate about residents' issues and would "make sure they get value for money for their council tax".

"My respect for my fellow ward councillors remains, and I hope to continue working with them for the good of everyone in East Wolds and Coastal," she added.

Speaking at the conference, shadow home secretary Chris Philp defended his party and said: "It's 20 councillors out of 4,000 or more Conservative councillors so it is important to keep this in context.

"We suffered an election defeat last year but we are now going through a period of renewal."

A Reform UK spokesperson said: "We're delighted to have Denise on board.

"We welcome anyone who shares our vision for integrity, accountability and meaningful change to join us."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Howard will be joining the one other Reform UK East Riding of Yorkshire councillor, Jon Dimberline, who represents the South East Holderness ward.

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