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Who defected
- Clarence Mitchell, a sitting councillor for the Emmer Green ward on Reading Borough Council, has left the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK. This switch makes him the first Reform UK representative on the council. (rdg.today)
When the defection happened
- Cllr Mitchell officially joined Reform UK on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. (rdg.today)
Broader context of defections
- His move was part of a larger wave of defections to Reform UK, with around 20 councillors joining the party that day, including several former Conservatives, some independents, and one Green councillor. (rdg.today)
- Nationally, Reform UK has been gaining former Conservative politicians at both local and national levels, including some high‑profile figures in recent weeks. (The Guardian)
Reaction and implications
- Local colleagues have publicly reacted to his decision, reflecting wider political tensions as more elected officials consider leaving the Conservative Party for Reform UK. (rdg.today)
- This local defection mirrors broader shifts in UK politics, where Reform UK has been seen as a rising force attracting members from other parties, particularly the Conservatives. (The Guardian)
Here’s a case‑study‑style breakdown of the Reading Conservative councillor’s defection to Reform UK, plus reactions and broader context from similar defections:
Case Study: Clarence Mitchell — First Reform UK Councillor in Reading
Background
- Councillor Clarence Mitchell represented Emmer Green ward on Reading Borough Council as a Conservative. (rdg.today)
- On Wednesday 14 January 2026, he left the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK, making him the first Reform UK representative on Reading’s local council. (rdg.today)
- His defection wasn’t isolated: he was among around 20 local councillors who switched to Reform UK that day, including former Conservatives, independents, and one Green councillor — reflecting a wave of defections at the local level. (rdg.today)
What Mitchell Said (His Statement)
Councillor Mitchell explained his decision publicly, emphasising values and purpose:
- He said he was “delighted to be joining Reform UK today as a councillor to restore patriotism and purpose back into Reading.” (rdg.today)
- He described his 16 years as a Conservative but stated he now believes Reform UK better represents “authentic values” important for the country’s future. (rdg.today)
Reactions from Local Politics
Support from the Defector
- Mitchell framed his move as necessary to champion values he felt were no longer represented by the Conservative Party, focusing on national pride and recovery. (rdg.today)
Reactions from Colleagues
- Some local colleagues expressed surprise or concern, noting that the defection comes at a time of significant political shifts. (rdg.today)
- The reporting emphasises that his departure sparked discussion among councillors about party identity and direction at the local level. (rdg.today)
Broader Context: Defections to Reform UK
Mitchell’s move is part of a bigger trend of political figures switching to Reform UK:
National‑Level Shifts
- Several former Conservative MPs have defected to Reform UK, including Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell earlier in January 2026, and Suella Braverman most recently, bringing more national attention and parliamentary representation to the party. (The Guardian)
Local Government Examples
- Across the UK, multiple councillors have switched from the Conservatives to Reform UK, providing the party with new representation on local councils in places like Swansea and Glasgow before 2026. (Nation.Cymru)
- In some cases, councillors from other parties (e.g., Labour or Green) have also defected, showing that this isn’t just a Conservative phenomenon. (Reddit)
Why These Defections Matter
For Local Politics (Like Reading)
- Gaining a first representative in a council can give Reform UK greater visibility and influence in local debates.
- It may shift how local public services, planning, and community priorities are discussed among councillors.
For National Politics
- A stream of defections — both local and national — can signal dissatisfaction with existing parties and fuel debate about the role of Reform UK in future elections.
- Recent high‑profile national defections have brought attention to the party’s stance on immigration, public services, national identity, and governance. (The Times)
What This Tells Us
Key takeaways from Mitchell’s defection and similar cases:
- Local councillors may shift allegiance when they feel their old party no longer reflects their values or priorities
- Reform UK is attracting defectors at multiple levels — from local councils to Westminster — which can reshape political dynamics ahead of upcoming elections. (The Guardian)
- Reactions range from supportive to critical, and these defections often spark debate about representation, voter loyalty, and accountability to constituents.