Dudley Council has witnessed a growing presence of Reform UK as two more Conservative councillors, Cllr James Clinton and Cllr Jason Thorne from Pedmore ward, officially joined the party on November 9. This move boosts Reform UK’s representation on the council to three members, alongside former Conservative Cllr Shaun Keasey.
Marco Longhi, former Dudley North MP and senior Reform UK campaigner, hailed the defections as a significant step forward. He stated, “This is a big moment for Reform in Dudley. James and Jason are dedicated local councillors who know their residents deserve better than the tired old parties. Their decision shows the momentum is unmistakable. The turquoise wave is coming, and Dudley is leading the way.”
However, the defections were met with sharp criticism from Dudley Council leader Cllr Patrick Harley. Having previously removed Cllr Clinton from his cabinet after poor budget scrutiny performance, Cllr Harley expressed dismay over the moves. “Pedmore is probably one of the safest seats in the borough for us, so why these two have decided to do what they have done is beyond me,” he said. “They have let down a lot of their friends – we are a family in the Conservative party.”
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Cllr Harley argued that the honorable course of action for the defectors would have been to call by-elections, but doubted their willingness to do so. With the next council elections scheduled for May 2026, when Cllr Thorne’s seat is next contested, Harley is confident the electorate will respond. “I look forward to ensuring next May Jason Thorne loses his seat wherever he decides to stand. They have shown no loyalty or integrity and they deserve everything they are going to get when the electorate makes their decision.”
While Reform UK aims to expand its influence on Dudley Council, Harley questioned the value voters will receive from the party. Highlighting that both Cllr Keasey and Mr. Longhi were formerly Conservatives, he remarked, “Longhi can hardly say this is the change people need – you have got the same old faces. It’s people who have failed as Conservatives.”