Three Oldham Councillors Join Reform UK in Major Defection

Three councillors from Oldham, including former Conservative Lewis Quigg and independents Mark Wilkinson and Sandra Ball, have defected to Reform UK, marking the party's first presence on Oldham Council and reflecting its growing momentum in Greater Manchester ahead of local elections. Quigg criticized opposition parties for colluding with Labour and emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes ordinary families and honest governance. Wilkinson expressed that the independent label had lost credibility and supported Reform UK's platform as a means to better serve residents. This wave of defections aligns with a broader national surge for Reform UK, which has also attracted several former Conservative MPs, including Danny Kruger. Meanwhile, Reform's leader in Lancashire County Council, Stephen Atkinson, defended the party against accusations of becoming a refuge for Tory rejects, emphasizing the need for experienced leadership and positioning Reform UK as a party ready for government. Internal party tensions surfaced with a Blackpool Council leader expressing concerns over the party's direction but later retracting his public criticism amid ongoing party conferences.