The leader of Reform UK in Buckinghamshire has hit out after one of his councillors defected to the Conservatives, handing the Tories overall control of the council.
Cllr Cameron Anderson spoke out after Cllr Kathy Gibbon, who represents Bierton, Kingsbrook and Wing, quit Reform UK to join the Conservative Party.
The switch means Buckinghamshire Council has moved into Conservative majority control and has prompted calls for Cllr Gibbon to resign and for a by-election to be held.
Cllr Anderson said Reform UK in Buckinghamshire was “disappointed” by the defection.
He said: “I’m sure the residents of Bierton, Kingsbrook and Wing ward now feel a great sense of dissatisfaction and injustice, especially considering Kathy is such a newly elected councillor.
“This is a bump in the road, [but] our Reform branches and presence grow stronger each week.
“We are surging in almost every opinion poll going from strength to strength. Why anyone would want to jump to the Tories. I am not sure?
“It’s a bit like buying a golden ticket to the Titanic knowing it’s going to hit the iceberg.
“We are preparing ourselves for government and this starts locally, handing power to the Conservatives at Bucks Council will further increase the damage to our towns and villages in this great county from this failing Council.”
Cllr Gibbon has not responded to requests for comment since announcing her defection, but has previously said she took the decision after “very careful consideration”.
She 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.”
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