Under-investigation Reform councillor defects

A former Reform UK councillor, who quit the party only a month after being elected in Wakefield, has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Rhys Carr, councillor for Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton, was voted in as a Reform councillor at the local elections on 7 May.

When he left Reform in June, a party spokesperson said he had decided to go before the outcome of an internal investigation into allegations around his conduct.

After joining the SDP, Carr said he wished to provide "fairness and opportunity for everyone", adding that he wanted to work collaboratively with all councillors for a better future for Wakefield.

Carr was elected in May to serve a four-year term on Wakefield Council as Reform took control of the local authority from Labour, winning 58 out of 63 seats.

On quitting the party Coun Carr said: "I have made the decision to leave the Reform Party, as it is no longer the right fit for me.

"It has become clear that local issues are not prioritised, and that is simply not what I stood for when I was elected.

"Let's be honest — photo opportunities don't solve problems."

The Social Democratic Party describe themselves as left-leaning economically with socially conservative values.

The party traces its roots back to a splinter group of MPs who left Labour to form a new centrist party in 1981.

Carr said he was proud to join the party, and become the first SDP member on the council.

"I believe deeply in putting people first, standing up for our communities [and] protecting vital local services," e said.

"At this very moment, more than anything else, what matters most is that we all work together."

The SDP has three other councillors in the UK, all representing Middleton Park ward on Leeds City Council.

SDP chair Stephen Balogh said the party brought "serious politics back into public discourse".

In a statement, Reform UK said: "We'd like to reassure residents of Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton that they can continue to rely on their Reform councillors."

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