A senior Reform UK councillor in Cornwall has resigned from the party, citing growing differences over how best to represent local communities.
Councillor Rowland O’Connor, who served as Deputy Chair of Reform UK on Cornwall Council, announced he will now sit as an independent member representing St Mawgan and St Wenn. The decision marks a significant departure for the councillor, who held a prominent position within the party’s local group.
In a message to residents, Mr O’Connor explained his reasoning for the move. He stated that after careful reflection, he had decided to resign from both the Reform UK party and his position as deputy chair of the Reform UK Council Group within Cornwall Council.
Mr O’Connor emphasised that the decision was not taken lightly. He revealed that over recent months, it became clear his own views and priorities for how best to serve local residents have increasingly diverged from those of the party.
“To continue representing our community with honesty and independence, I believe it is right to step away from party affiliation,” the councillor said.
He moved to reassure constituents that his departure from Reform UK would not affect his commitment to the area. Mr O’Connor confirmed he will continue to serve as an independent Cornwall councillor for St Columb Major, St Mawgan and St Wenn.
The councillor pledged that his focus remains unchanged, with priorities including listening to residents’ concerns, standing up for local people, and ensuring the community’s voice is heard at Cornwall Council.
Mr O’Connor described it as an honour to represent the area and praised dedicated councillors, parish representatives and officers who share a deep commitment to the region. He promised to continue working constructively across the Council and with communities to deliver improvements in transport, local services and affordable housing.
The former Reform UK official added that he remains available to all residents for casework and support, maintaining his constituency responsibilities despite the change in political affiliation.
Liberal Democrat MP Ben Maguire welcomed Mr O’Connor’s decision, claiming the constituency was now “Tory and Reform free”. The North Cornwall MP suggested the move reflected a broader trend in the area.
“People across North Cornwall are turning away from populism and political point-scoring, and towards real, practical progress,” Mr Maguire said.
The Liberal Democrat representative expressed his intention to continue working with Councillor O’Connor and other Liberal Democrat and independent councillors in North Cornwall for the benefit of all residents. Mr Maguire claimed he had already been able to support them with a number of significant achievements.
The resignation represents a blow to Reform UK’s presence on Cornwall Council, reducing the party’s representation in the local authority. It also raises questions about internal tensions within the party at a local level, though Mr O’Connor did not elaborate on the specific policy differences that led to his departure.
Reform UK, led nationally by Nigel Farage, has been working to build its local government presence across the country following its performance in the 2024 general election. The party gained five MPs in Westminster but has faced challenges in translating national support into sustained local representation.
Mr O’Connor’s move to sit as an independent gives him greater freedom to vote according to his conscience on council matters without party whip constraints. Independent councillors often play crucial roles in hung councils, though Cornwall Council’s political composition means his vote is unlikely to be pivotal on most issues.
The councillor did not announce any plans to join another political party, suggesting he intends to remain independent for the foreseeable future. His continued commitment to representing his ward indicates he does not plan to trigger a by-election, which would only occur if he resigned his council seat entirely.
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