Two Reform UK councillors quit party to form new Leeds First group
New political group after Leeds councillors leave Reform UK
A new political group has been formed by two city councillors who are no longer representing Reform UK.
Paula-Jane Thackray and David Dresser confirmed they would sit on the council as Leeds First Independents.
Coun Thackray, who represents Cross Gates and Whinmoor, will act as leader of the new group.
Coun Dresser will be deputy leader and whip, according to updated details on Leeds City Council’s website.
Coun Thackray said on social media: “It is with great regret that myself and Coun David Dresser, Killingbeck and Seacroft ward, have resigned from Reform UK.
“We remain committed to our residents and wards and will be forming a new independent group within LCC.”
Coun Dresser posted a similar message. Both have been asked to respond to a statement from Reform’s press office which said they were suspended from the party.
Their move means Reform UK now has eight of the city’s 99 councillors. Labour lost overall control of Leeds City Council at the last elections but is still by far the biggest group with 46 members.
A Reform UK spokesman said: “Councillors Dresser and Thackray were suspended from Reform UK pending investigation.”
The council’s communications team confirmed officers had been informed of the formation of the new group.
A spokesperson said: “The proper officer has received notification from councillor Dresser and councillor Thackray that they wish to be treated as a political group and known as the Leeds First Independent Group.”