The political landscape in Dudley has been shaken by the defection of two Conservative councillors to Reform UK, a move condemned by the borough's council leader who has accused them of lacking the courage to call by-elections.
The Defections and Reform's 'Turquoise Wave'
In an announcement made on November 9, Pedmore ward councillors James Clinton and Jason Thorne officially switched their allegiance to Reform UK. This brings the party's total representation on Dudley Council to three, joining fellow defector Councillor Shaun Keasey, who also previously left the Conservative group.
The move was hailed as a significant moment by Marco Longhi, the former Dudley North MP and a senior Reform UK campaigner. He stated, "This is a big moment for Reform in Dudley. James and Jason are dedicated local councillors who know their residents deserve better than the tired old parties. Their decision shows the momentum is unmistakable."
Longhi boldly proclaimed, "The turquoise wave is coming, and Dudley is leading the way."
Conservative Backlash and By-Election Demands
The defections were met with sharp criticism from the leader of Dudley Council, Conservative Councillor Patrick Harley. Cllr Harley revealed he had previously removed Cllr Clinton from his cabinet during the last reshuffle, citing a poor performance during budget scrutiny.
Expressing his bewilderment, Cllr Harley said, "Pedmore is probably one of the safest seats in the borough for us so why these two have decided to do what they have done is beyond me." He described the Conservative party as a "family" and stated the councillors had "let down a lot of their friends."
He directly challenged the defectors, asserting, "The decent thing would be for them to have two by-elections but I don't think either one has got the courage to do that." With the next scheduled council elections not until May 2026, when Cllr Thorne's seat will be contested, Cllr Harley vowed to campaign against him, saying, "I look forward to ensuring next May Jason Thorne loses his seat wherever he decides to stand."
Questions Over Reform's Local Identity
While the May 2026 elections could see Reform UK make significant gains in council seats, Cllr Harley questioned the party's local credibility. He pointed out that the party's existing figures are familiar faces from other political backgrounds.
"Longhi can hardly say this is the change people need – you have got the same old faces," Harley argued, adding pointedly, "It's people who have failed as Conservatives." This comment references the fact that Cllr Keasey was last elected as an independent after leaving the Conservatives, and Marco Longhi himself previously represented Dudley as a Tory MP.
The defections have set the stage for a heated political contest in Dudley, with loyalty, integrity, and the very definition of political change now at the forefront of local debate.
