Conservative group leader defects to Reform UK

Daniel Jellyman (left), pictured with Sean Bagguley, a Reform UK county councillor, has left the Conservatives to join the same party

The leader of the Conservative opposition group on Stoke-on-Trent City Council has left the party to join Reform UK.

Councillor Daniel Jellyman, who represents the Hanford, Newstead & Trentham ward on the Labour-run council, was first elected in 2015 and served as deputy leader under the previous Tory administration.

It was the "right moment" to move to Reform UK, Jellyman said.

The Conservatives said the move was "disappointing" and announced their current deputy, Lorraine Beardmore, as interim group leader.

Jellyman added he believed only Nigel Farage and a Reform UK government could bring about the change needed in order to provide high-skilled, well-paid jobs locally.

"As a councillor for over a decade, I've fought to deliver real, transformative change for our city, but time and again I've been hampered by a system in which crucial decisions are made by unelected, out-of-touch bureaucrats."

Reform UK said the party believed the "trend" of defections would continue and that they were delighted to welcome Jellyman to the party.

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

The party gained its first seat on the city council after Luke Shenton won a by-election in May.

Meanwhile, Beardmore thanked Jellyman for his service as a Conservative councillor and local party member.

"Whilst it's disappointing that he feels the national party no longer represents his values and beliefs, I respect his decision," she said.

"We'll miss him in our group and wish him well for the future."

In addition to Jellyman's departure, the Tories said Heather Blurton and Maxine Clark had also resigned from the party to sit as non-aligned councillors.