Another Stoke-on-Trent councillor defects from Conservatives to Reform UK

Another shift has taken place at Stoke-on-Trent City Council after councillor Carl Edwards confirmed he has left the Conservative group to join Reform UK.

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said: “Changes have been confirmed to the political make-up of Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Carl Edwards — who represents the Baddeley, Milton and Norton ward — has left the Conservative group and joined the Reform UK group. The change will have immediate effect.”

A Resignation Driven by "Broken Promises"

Carl Edwards, representing the Baddeley, Milton & Norton ward, stated that he had originally joined the Conservatives to "get Brexit done." However, he expressed deep disillusionment with the party's direction.

"I am proud to be joining Reform UK as I believe it is the only party serious about fixing the problems facing our country. It is a party that recognises Britain is broken and is offering the bold, common sense plan needed to put it right.

"I had previously joined the Conservatives to get Brexit done and to level up communities like Stoke-on-Trent. However, like so many loyal members and voters, I've watched promise after promise broken."

— Councillor Carl Edwards

Edwards further claimed that Brexit was not properly delivered and that "Levelling Up" had become an empty slogan.

A Wider Pattern of Defections

Edwards is the latest in a series of former Conservatives in Stoke-on-Trent to move to Reform UK, signaling a significant local trend:

• November: Daniel Jellyman, former Conservative group leader, defected to become Reform UK’s leader on the authority.
• January: Dr Chandra Kanneganti and Heather Blurton joined the party.
• May 2025: Reform UK gained its first seat via Luke Shenton’s by-election win.
• Last Month: Former Conservative Party deputy chair Jonathan Gullis also defected to Reform UK.

Reaction from Party Leaders

A Reform UK spokesman described Edwards as an "excellent addition" to the team in Stoke-on-Trent.

Meanwhile, Lorraine Beardmore, leader of the Conservative group, expressed disappointment:

"I respect his decision and wish him well for the future. Myself and the group thank him for his service as a Conservative councillor, he will be missed."