Political Shakeup: Conservative Councillor Kevin Towill Joins Reform UK

In a notable political shift, Kevin Towill, a councillor from Cornwall, has defected from the Conservative Party to join Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. As local elections approach on May 1, Towill expressed his enthusiasm about being part of a new political force that he believes is more in touch with the grassroots and focused on serving the people.

During this transition, Towill shared his view that established parties have become complacent and are simply undermining each other rather than addressing the needs of their constituents. He stated, “I feel that the old parties in Cornwall are propping each other up in hatred of each other and forgotten about the people that they are meant to be serving,” emphasizing his desire to contribute positively to Cornwall’s future.

Farage welcomed the defector at a rally held at Carn Brea Leisure Centre, expressing hopes that Towill’s move would pave the way for more Reform UK councillors to be elected in the upcoming elections. This defection makes Towill the only representative of Reform UK within the council, a change acknowledged with disappointment by current Conservative council leader Linda Taylor, who considered him a close friend despite his departure.

Critics of the defection, including the Liberal Democrat and Independent group leaders, portrayed it as merely a rebranding rather than a significant ideological shift. Furthermore, the rally itself was marked by opposition protests, prompting police presence to maintain order. Despite minor clashes between opposing groups, authorities reported no arrests, highlighting the tense political atmosphere as the local elections draw near.