A CONSERVATIVE councillor in Reading has defected from the Conservative Party to join Reform UK.
Cllr Clarence Mitchell, elected in the Emmer Green ward, announced on Wednesday, January 14, that he has made the move, citing “the rise of woke-ism” and “state interference.”
It follows 16 years as a member of the Conservative Party, five of which he has spent in Reading–and a stint as the local leader of the party.
He was elected to the thenPeppard Ward in 2021 and was re-elected as the incumbent councillor for Emmer Green in 2022.
His work as a councillor follows a career in newspaper and broadcast journalism, and runs concurrently with his work in public relations and communications in Caversham.
Reform UK–formerly the Brexit Party– took control of ten local councils in last year’s local elections, and saw a vote share of more than 12% in one ward during Reading’s own local elections in 2024.
The news comes just days after the former Conservative Chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, defected to Reform UK, joining the likes of Lee Anderson, Nadine Dorries, and Andrea Jenkyns.
Cllr Clarence 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.
“Many voters have lost all faith in our politics, and they feel deeply let down that their concerns are not being listened to such as the cost of living, illegal immigration, the rise of woke-ism and an ever-encroaching level of State interference.
“Nationally, I believe Reform UK is the only party which has the credible vision, energy and sense of purpose to reset Westminster’s relationship with the British people for the better.
“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.”
Welcoming Cllr Mitchell, a Reform UK spokesman said: “Clarence is an asset to Reform UK and the people of Reading.
“We are delighted that he is joining us as a councillor to add to our expanding team.”
