Conservative leader at Stratford District Council defects to Reform UK

THE leader of the Conservative group at Stratford District Council has ditched the Tories and joined Reform UK.

The defection, announced this afternoon (Thursday), will see Cllr Sarah Whalley-Hoggins, who has represented the Brailes and Compton ward since 2019, join Nigel Farage’s party.

Cllr Whalley-Hoggins, who has served as the Conservative leader at SDC since Tony Jefferson lost his seat in 2023, said her decision had been driven by increasing levels of alarm at the state of both local and national government.

“I went into local politics to make a difference to the lives of those that I represent,” she said. “Reform UK is the only political party that is striving to make any difference to the lives of the many rather than the lives of too few.”

Reform UK said the former headteacher and police officer has much to offer both the parties and the communities that she represents.

A spokesperson added: “We’re delighted Sarah has joined us. We welcome anyone who shares our vision for integrity, accountability and meaningful change to join us.”

The decision means that Cllr Whalley-Hoggins becomes SDC’s first Reform UK councillor and leaves the Conservatives with ten councillors in opposition to the Liberal Democrats, which has 25 councillors.

Chair of Stratford on Avon Conservative Association, Richard Walters, described Cllr Whalley-Hoggins’ move as both sad and confusing.

“This is clearly sad news,” he said. “During her tenure I enjoyed a respectful and constructive relationship with Clr Whalley-Hoggins. She stepped in to lead the Conservative group following the local elections in May 2023 for which she will forever have our thanks.

“Clearly the decision to join an opposition movement intent on little beyond the destruction of her former Conservative home is disappointing. I would at this juncture pass my heartfelt thanks to the Conservative councillors and activists who are working tirelessly to keep Labour from taking control of Warwickshire County Council.

“Cllr Whalley-Hoggins has often cited the representation of women in politics as a major driver for her engagement in public life. Her decision to join a movement where the parliamentary representation is 100 per cent male is therefore confusing.”