Councillor's defection hands Conservatives control of Buckinghamshire Council

The move has seen Labour call for a by-election to take place, describing the situation as unfair to voters who elected councillors in May 2025

Kingsbrook, Bierton and Wing councillor Kathryn Gibbons, who was elected as a Reform UK councillor in May 2025, announced on Tuesday that she has joined the Conservative Party. As a result of the defection, the Conservatives now hold a majority on Buckinghamshire Council without a further election taking place.

Commenting on her decision, Cllr Kathy Gibbon said: “The residents of Bierton, Kingsbrook and Wing put their faith in me to represent them in the best possible way. After very careful consideration, I believe that joining the Conservative Group on Buckinghamshire Council will allow me to work more effectively as part of a strong, experienced team. it’s clear from my discussions with Steven Broadbent, the budget proposals and the positive corporate peer review that the vision for Bucks is focused on delivering for residents both now and in the future. In particular, I look forward to working closely with my ward colleague Julie to ensure we achieve the very best outcomes for our local community and across Buckinghamshire".

Welcoming Cllr Gibbon to the group, Cllr Steve Broadbent, Leader of the Conservative Group on Buckinghamshire Council, said: “Since being elected, I have seen first-hand how efficient and committed Kathy has been in her work for residents. She has quickly established herself as a hardworking and constructive Councillor who genuinely wants to get things done. I am delighted to welcome her to the Conservative Group, and I very much look forward to working with her, as do all members of the group, as we continue, as we have since May, with delivering on our promises to residents across Buckinghamshire.

But Aylesbury Labour has said it believes Councillor Gibbons should stand down from her role to allow a by-election to take place, giving voters the opportunity to decide whether she should continue to represent the ward under a different party banner.

Eris Robertson, chair of Aylesbury Labour Party, said the party was calling for a by-election in Councillor Gibbons’ ward. He said the change handed control of the council to the Conservatives and described the situation as unfair to voters who elected councillors in May 2025.

Robertson said that if Councillor Gibbons believed her decision reflected the views of local residents, she should seek a fresh mandate. He added that residents of Kingsbrook, Bierton and Wing should be given the opportunity to decide who represents them and who controls the council.

Eris Robertson's statement in full:

"This move simply takes us back into the realm of a council that keeps making the same badly run, poorly managed and budgeted council, it's just a slap in the face of voters who selected their councillors at the ballot box back in May 2025. We are calling for a by-election in Councillor Gibbons' ward so that voters can decide whether they wish for her to continue to represent them under a new party.

"Aylesbury Constituency Labour Party is proud of who it is and what it stands for. The party is united, disciplined and focused on serving local communities, with a clear priority of being champions for residents across Buckinghamshire. 

"If Councillor Gibbons believes that her decision reflects the views of local people, the appropriate and honourable course of action is to stand down and seek a fresh mandate. The people of Kingsbrook, Bierton and Wing should be given the opportunity to decide who represents them and who controls their council. 

Aylesbury Labour will always stand up for local democracy, accountability, and the right of residents to have their voices heard."