The former leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Cheshire East Council has quit the party and become the first Reform UK member on the council, writes Belinda Ryan.
Cllr Reg Kain (pictured), elected to Cheshire East Council in May 2023, said he had joined Reform UK “because I believe it is the only mainstream party at this time that is genuinely listening to the concerns and needs of the British people”.
He said the party is a growing political force, offering a real alternative to those who feel let down by the traditional parties.
“While some may see Reform as a party with a narrow focus, I believe it has the potential to become a broad church, welcoming people from all backgrounds who want a stronger, fairer, and more accountable government,” said the Alsager councillor.
“I intend to be a moderate and constructive voice within Reform, helping to shape a party that truly represents the interests of ordinary people.”
He added: “I want to make it absolutely clear that this decision is not about political convenience but about principle.
“My role as a councillor is to represent all my constituents, regardless of political affiliation, and to ensure their voices are heard.
“This is what I have always strived to do, and it is what I will continue to do as a member of Reform UK.
“The people of Alsager and Cheshire East elected me to serve them, not a political party, and I will continue to put their interests first.”
Cllr Kain’s decision means long-serving councillor Rod Fletcher, who also represents Alsager, is now the only Liberal Democrat on the council.
At one time the Liberal Democrats were a dominant force on the former Congleton Borough Council, which was abolished in 2009 when Cheshire East was formed.
Cllr Fletcher was leader of Congleton Borough Council from 2001 to 2002.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service this week: “I am non-grouped because there isn’t a Liberal Democrat group on the council but I am a Liberal Democrat councillor.
“I joined the Liberal party in 1962 and I’m not going anywhere.
“To me this country desperately needs Liberal Democrat values at this time.”
Here, here, how anyone can think that when people voted for them in the elections they expected their middle of the road Lib-Dem candidate to turn into a right wing nut job half way through his term is beyond me. As you say hold another election and see if he is still a councillor after that!?
The Conservatives were spectacularly incompetent, and they certainly lost the GE rather than Labour winning it with solid policies. It was overwhelmingly a case of punishing the Tories.
I guess many of us knew Labour would be bad, but they’ve amazed us all with just how incredibly bad they could be in such a short time.
I’m not sure Reform is the answer, but if Labour don’t change, I can foresee that Reform will do very well indeed on a “neither Labour, nor Tory” ticket.
Corrupt and incompetent politicians, unfettered migration, unpunished crime, spiraling costs, greedy, controlling business and a rapidly eroding society make me fear for our future.
CEC needs REFORMing, as both Liebour and Conservatives have had their chance to do so and failed miserably. Now we have Labour candidates who back track from their manifesto – only said what they wanted to do to get into power and up that greasy pole and now Crewe are stuck with it/them.
Absolutely correct,
Because democracy, financial prudence and common sense Deform have in bucket loads!
I think you will see many more Councillors under the Reform Umbrella in the local elections. It will be an opportunity for the citizens of Cheshire East to cut out the dead wood we have particularly in the form of Labour and Independent Councillors who have failed to hold The Directors and Senior Executives to account for the millions of pounds wasted in Cheshire East.
The compound affect of waste in the public sector is costing the tax payer huge amounts of money.
Lets watch this space. Democracy will prevail as will common sense and financial prudence.
CEC and all its incompetents need REFORMing
The electorate voted for a party and it’s manifesto, not a candidate. If a candidates alliegance changes, there should be an immediate election to see what the will of the people is and that person removed or returned to office with a proper mandate. What this clown has done is an affront to democracy.