Two Havant borough councillors defect to Reform UK in yet another blow for the Conservatives
Two Havant borough councillors have announced their defection to Reform UK in yet another blow for the Conservatives in the borough.
Former Conservative leader Gwen Robinson who represents the Waterloo ward and Caren Diamond who represents Purbook have both announced their defection to Reform Havant taking the number of local councillors in the borough to four, joining Sharon Collins and Vicky Rhodes.
Councillor Sharon Collins, Leader of the Reform Group on Havant Borough Council, welcomed her new colleagues: “Gwen and Caren are dedicated, respected and hardworking councillors who put residents first.
“Their decision to join Reform UK reflects a growing belief across Havant that our communities deserve a stronger voice, real accountability, and practical leadership. I’m delighted to have them standing with us as we continue to challenge the status quo and deliver for local people.”
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Havant Borough Council is currently run by new coalition of Labour, Liberal Democrats and Green Party councillors despite the Conservatives having the largest number of councillors.
The Conservatives lost control of the council after last year’s local elections and it had been under Conservative majority control since 2002.
Terry Norton, Chairman of the Reform Havant Association, praised the additions and highlighted the growing strength of Reform’s local team: “I’m thrilled to welcome Gwen and Caren to Reform Havant. With their arrival, we now have four strong Reform women on Havant Borough Council — a team with experience, integrity and a clear determination to fight for their communities.
“I’m pleased that we were able to bring them over and secure their talent, and their commitment will play a vital role in building the movement we are creating across Havant.
“Their decision to join us shows that the political landscape in Havant is changing. Residents are tired of complacency, and we are building a team capable of offering a real challenge to the established parties — including at the next General Election.”
The new make-up of the council is:
- Conservatives - 9
- Labour - 9
- Green - 6
- Liberal Democrats - 5
- Reform UK - 4
- Independent - 3