As of mid-March 2025, 98 local government councillor seats held by Reform were filled via defections.
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from Conservative Party: 66 originally elected as Conservative
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from Labour: 2
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from Liberal Democrats: 1
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from Independent/smaller/local parties: 28
Of the 98 defections 62 occurred since the start of 2025. Independent analysis by Liberal England has tracked 256 instances of councillors changing party allegiance since January 2025. The most concentrated wave of defections was 29 in March 2025.
Of the 677 seats won by Reform in the May elections, 668 remain. There were 5 suspensions, 4 stepped down. 2 of the by-elections were lost.
Since then, Reform UK has announced a further 20 councillor defections in January 2026.
Of the 677 seats won by Reform in the May elections, 668 remain. There were 5 suspensions, 4 stepped down. 2 of the by‑elections were lost.
As of January 2026, at least 13 Reform councillors have left the party since May 2025.
What does this do for voter confidence? If your vote was for a particular party, not very happy, we would think.
