John Howard Rejoins Conservatives; Kerr Defects to Reform UK

John Howard, a Peterborough councillor, has re-joined the Conservative Party after leaving it 18 months ago for Peterborough First, due to internal issues affecting its future. This shift occurs as Peterborough's council is managed by a minority Labour administration following Peterborough First's loss in local elections. Meanwhile, Thomas Kerr, the Tory group leader on Glasgow City Council, has defected to Reform UK, marking a significant gain for Nigel Farage's party. Kerr, a rising Conservative star, believes Reform UK offers necessary change and aims to improve addiction services in Glasgow's East End. His defection poses a setback for Scottish Conservatives and may impact Labour's prospects in the region. Reform UK is gaining traction in Scotland, potentially matching the Tories in seats in the upcoming Holyrood election.