Readers call for by-election after councillors defect to Reform
Two Conwy councillors have crossed the floor to join Reform UK, leaving the Conservatives behind. Llandudno representatives Louise Emery and Tom Montgomery cited their dissatisfaction with the nation's lack of progress as their reason for defecting, expressing a desire to "stand up for Britain" upon announcing their decision.
Addressing the Local Democracy Reporting Service, both councillors voiced their discontent with the current state of governance. As they departed the Conservative party, they extended gratitude towards their former colleagues, while Cllr Emery levelled criticism at the previous Tory-led UK Government for being "not good enough".
Cllr Emery stated: "I have resigned from the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK. I have not taken this decision lightly."
She continued, emphasising her commitment to her constituents: "For the past eight years, I have worked tirelessly for the residents of the Gogarth Mostyn ward and the town of Llandudno; I am enthusiastic, and more than ever driven to deliver for residents and businesses.
"But I am so frustrated at how our country is stagnating and declining. We need a shake up; we need a government that listens to its people and is prepared to stand up for Britain – its history, its place in the world, its future.
"I am tired of defending the legacy of the Conservative Government – they weren't good enough. I am horrified at the first year of Labour Government.
"There is only one party that can deliver the change we so desperately need and that is Reform UK."
She added: "Reform have a manifesto of common-sense policies which are the only way to set this country back on course and ensure that both local and national government work as they should - for the taxpayer."
Cllr Emery also referenced additional "common sense" Reform policies behind her decision. These encompassed social care overhauls, a fresh curriculum, assessments of council expenditure, employment incentives, a "reward-based benefits" structure, and immigration controls, including "halting illegal crossings".
One reader, Totemlad1 simply says: "And so it starts." While Chucker writes: "More Conservatives going over. Looks like Conservatives doomed. Maybe it's an easy way out for them."
Underdog_1 believes: "Sooner Reform are in, the better Britain will be and illegal immigration will reduce/stop."
Dewibach replies and asks: "And how exactly will Reform stop illegal immigration?"
PedroD says: "I'm worried about the state of our county (Conwy) and its lack of effective leadership."
Redsheep writes: "How is it a change when most of them are ex-Conservatives - Reform are just ultra right wing Conservatives, I think its going to be a case of 'be careful what you wish for' if Reform ever get in. People read 'Reform' and think this limited company is going to change things, all they have are carbon copies of Trump policies and look how they are going down in America.
"There will have to be international agreements in place with places like France first before we can send anyone anywhere and Reform have already stated if France does not comply then they would remove fishing rights, then we end up in stale mate situation that will never be resolved because Reform are too stubborn to negotiate a deal."
EllVis says: "They were voted in on the policies of their party. Defection should mean resignation and a fresh election should be called. Totally unacceptable to have party in that didn't win."
Dewibach comments: "It doesn't matter what label is on the tin of paint when it comes to the issue of immigration no party can resolve it without friends on the continent."
Froggyfrogs writes: "Louise Emery is one of our councillors in Llandudno. Now she has defected to Reform.inc, she should resign, because she is no longer representing the people who voted for her. I didn't vote for her as it happens, but I certainly wouldn't vote for Reform.inc or Farage, so we don't want the likes of her representing our town without a new election. If she wins that, fair enough, but I doubt she will."
BarnettFormulaSpongers says: "Fantastic news. Reform is on course to take all councils and Senedd next year. Time for change in wales."
Everyyear feels: "Disappointing and somewhat undemocratic. Although it is quite common for politicians to change parties, I feel they should do that at election time not mid-term. My reasoning is that many will have voted for the party being represented - because they do not know the person. Personally, I would never vote for the Reform Party."
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