A Solihull councillor has left Reform UK to join the Conservative group, citing concerns over the conduct of some members of the party locally and nationally.
Councillor David Hoey, who represents Meriden and Arden ward, announced the switch after raising complaints about behaviour within the Reform group that he says went unaddressed.
Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti confirmed the move, saying he was looking forward to working with Cllr Hoey “to serve the interests of the residents of Meriden and Arden ward.”
Explaining his decision, Cllr Hoey said he had originally joined Reform UK “as a protest,” but that his experience within the group had changed his view.
“Once I became part of the group, I encountered behaviour that I do not believe is appropriate for elected representatives,” he said. “I raised my concerns both with the Reform Group locally and with Reform UK nationally, but no action was taken.”
He was keen to stress that his criticism was not aimed at the wider Reform membership on the council.
“I want to make it clear that my decision is not a criticism of every Reform councillor,” he said. “I have worked alongside many decent, committed and hardworking colleagues who entered public service for the right reasons. My concerns relate to the conduct of a small number of individuals and to what I consider to be a failure to address behaviour that has, in my view, damaged both the Group and public confidence.”
Cllr Hoey also criticised what he described as the Reform group’s priorities on the council.
“In my experience, the Reform Group on Solihull Council has tended to focus on issues that generate headlines rather than those that best serve residents,” he said. “That is not why I stood for election, and it is not how I want to represent the people who elected me.”
Council leader Karen Grinsell welcomed Cllr Hoey into the Conservative group, saying the party’s focus was on service delivery rather than headline-chasing.
“The Conservative Group believes local government should always put residents first,” she said. “Our focus is on delivering high-quality services, making sound decisions and working constructively for the benefit of communities across Solihull. I am pleased that David has chosen to join a team that shares those priorities, and I look forward to working with him.
“We welcome people who are committed to public service, integrity and collaborative working to achieve the best outcomes for residents.”
Cllr Hoey was one of three councillors elected in Meriden and Arden ward at May’s local elections, when he topped the poll for Reform UK with 1,432 votes. He is joined in the ward by Conservative councillors Catherine Price and Jane Lamden.
Reform UK made significant gains at the May election, becoming the second-largest group on Solihull Council, while the Conservatives retained overall control. Cllr Hoey’s departure reduces Reform’s representation on the council.
Councillor Samantha Gethen, Leader of the Reform UK Group on Solihull Council, said:
“I wish we could say we’re sad to see Cllr Hoey leave Reform UK but in all honesty it’s a relief. Since the election a few months ago he very quickly alienated all his council colleagues.
“Cllr Hoey was given a four year mandate by Meriden and Arden residents just two months ago.
“It is a surprise to see him join the Conservatives, especially given what he was saying about his new colleagues only days before jumping ship. I think our message to Conservative councillors is, “good luck.”
