Reform UK councillors split as four defect to Restore Britain

In Walsall, all 30 Reform UK councillors voted against an amendment that would have formally recognised man‑made climate change, arguing that net‑zero targets are unrealistic and costly for taxpayers. Councillors Elaine Williams and Nicky Barker declined to state a position on the science, emphasizing practical local environmental measures instead.

In Warwickshire, council leader George Finch warned that voters would remain loyal to Reform UK despite four councillors leaving to join the newly formed Restore Britain party. The defections – Luke Cooper, Scott Cameron, Dan Glover and Rob Aitken – reduced Reform’s representation to 17 of the 57 seats on the county council, altering the balance of power ahead of the May 2027 elections and the upcoming 2028 unitary‑authority reorganisation. Finch downplayed any immediate shift in council control, but acknowledged the party could have performed better in supporting local election candidates.