In a surprising political move, Kathy Gibbon, a councillor elected on the Reform UK ticket, has defected to the Conservative Party, resulting in the Tories gaining overall control of Buckinghamshire Council. This decision has sparked a wave of controversy and calls for Gibbon’s resignation.
Gibbon, who represents the Kingsbrook, Bierton and Wing ward, was elected as a Reform UK candidate last year. However, this week she announced her defection, claiming that the move would “allow me to work more effectively as part of a strong, experienced team”.
The Conservative Party, which had previously been the largest party on the council but lacked an overall majority, has now consolidated its position. Steven Broadbent, the Conservative council leader, welcomed Gibbon, stating that she “was solely focused on what is best for her and best for Buckinghamshire… and she fully agrees with our positive agenda”.
In contrast, the reaction from the opposition has been one of outrage. Cameron Anderson, a Reform UK councillor, expressed that voters would “now feel a great sense of dissatisfaction and injustice”, while Labour called for a by-election in Gibbon’s ward, arguing that the move was “just a slap in the face of voters”.
Eric Robertson, the chairman of Aylesbury Labour Party, echoed these sentiments, stating that Gibbon should “stand down and seek a fresh mandate” if she believes her decision reflects the views of local people.
The political landscape in Buckinghamshire has been significantly altered by this defection. The Conservatives now hold 49 seats, the Liberal Democrats 27, and the Impact Alliance (Labour, Independents, Green) 19, with the Reform UK group reduced to just two seats.
As the dust settles, the focus will be on whether Gibbon’s decision was a strategic move or a betrayal of her constituents. The calls for a by-election and Gibbon’s potential resignation will be closely watched as the political drama unfolds in Buckinghamshire.