The colleagues of a councillor have reacted to the news that he has left the Conservative Party to become the first Reform UK councillor in Reading.
Councillor Clarence Mitchell, a representative for Emmer Green ward on Reading Borough Council, joined Reform on Wednesday, January 14.
He was among 20 councillors who joined the party on that day, with 14 former Conservatives, five independents and one Green making the defections.
Explaining his decision, cllr Mitchell said: “I am delighted to be joining Reform UK today as a councillor to restore patriotism and purpose back into Reading.
“Having been a member of the Conservative Party for 16 years, I now believe that Reform UK is the only party that can truly represent and fight for the authentic values that are fundamental to our country’s recovery and its restoration of pride.
“Locally, I will play my part in that restoration of public trust in politics by continuing to serve my ward residents diligently with the integrity and commitment that I always have.”
Reacting to the news, Liz Terry (Labour, Coley), the council leader, said: “The moment has been overshadowed by other people switching, I’m disappointed; he’s jumping from sinking ship to another, joining a group shouting from the sidelines about division and decline.
“I’m focused on what’s good in Reading, my view is Labour has been leading and delivering for Reading for a long time, through 14 years of Tory austerity.
“This defection is not about focusing on Reading and delivering people – just another failed Tory jumping ship really.
“It [Reform] does seem like a retirement home for failed Tory politicians.
“Meanwhile, this Labour council is focused on helping people in difficult times, giving them the best services we can.”
Cllr Raj Singh (Conservative, Kentwood), leader of the Conservatives on the council, said: “Reading residents are far more interested in who will serve them best on local issues such as housing, homelessness, anti social behaviour and fly tipping than in party politics.
“If Cllr Mitchell believes he can better serve the residents of Reading as a Reform councillor, I wish him well and time will tell.
“As local Conservatives, we remain focused on holding Labour’s leadership to account at the council while delivering for our communities.
“Our work is being recognised and our membership is growing particularly in my ward of Kentwood where numbers have more than doubled.
“I am also aware of at least 20 further residents who intend to join the Conservative Party because they want to serve Reading better not engage in party political games.
“We wish him well for the future.”
Fellow council colleague David McElroy (Green, Redlands), his party’s candidate for Reading Central constituency during the 2024 General Election, said: “The Greens are already the main opposition in Reading, so are clearly the best choice for anyone looking to defeat Reform and/or punish Labour for their low-fat Farage impression.
“We don’t need another party punching down on migrants and minorities while accepting crazy donations from foreign companies and billionaires.
“We’re focused on leaving Reading (let alone the planet) a better place for our kids.
“Green politics is built on hope, rather than fear; there is a real alternative to Reform and Labour in Reading, you can support the Green Party!”
Cllr Mitchell’s four-year term ends this year after he won the most votes for the Emmer Green ward at the all-out council elections in May 2022.
He was first elected to the abolished Peppard ward on the council during the local election in 2021.
