Defection Rocks Solihull Council
David Hoey, the Reform UK councillor for Meriden and Arden who was elected just two months ago in May, has defected to the Conservative group on Solihull Council. In a scathing statement, Hoey accused his former party of inappropriate conduct and prioritizing headline-grabbing issues over residents' needs.
Hoey, a former Royal Marine Commando, said he had joined Reform UK 'as a protest' but soon encountered 'behaviour I do not believe is appropriate for elected representatives.' He criticized the party for focusing on 'issues that generate headlines rather than those that best serve residents.'
Reform UK Responds
Reform UK leader on the council, Councillor Samantha Gethen, responded sharply: 'I wish we could say we're sad to see Coun Hoey leave Reform UK but in all honesty it's a relief.' She claimed Hoey had 'very quickly alienated all his council colleagues' since the election.
A Reform UK source alleged that complaints about Hoey's conduct were being investigated before his defection. The source stated these 'were being investigated before he made the decision to defect.'
Conservatives Welcome Hoey
Conservative group leader and council leader Karen Grinsell welcomed Hoey to the party, praising his commitment to residents. She said he had 'already demonstrated his commitment to representing residents and taking his responsibilities as a councillor seriously.'
Hoey's defection brings the Conservative group to 25 councillors, just one short of a majority on the 51-seat council. The shift could have significant implications for future council decisions and political dynamics.
