Fourth Solihull Tory Councillor Defects to Reform UK Ahead of Elections
In a significant political shift, a Shirley West councillor has become the latest member to leave the ruling Conservative group on Solihull Council and join Reform UK. Councillor Prish Sharma announced his defection to the Nigel Farage-led party in a statement released on Wednesday morning, February 25.
Councillor Sharma's Statement on Joining Reform UK
In his statement, Councillor Sharma expressed his reasons for the move, stating, "Today I have joined Reform UK in order to contribute towards rebuilding our country from the current tarnished situation we find ourselves in." He further elaborated, "For too long people have felt scared to speak out, constrained by political correctness and fear of being silenced. This climate of intimidation must end."
Sharma criticized both current and previous governments, saying, "Both the current and previous governments have penalised businesses and the working class, the very backbone of our nation, which is why I have defected from the Conservative Party." He added, "I believe Reform represents the change our country needs. I am eager to join the current group of Reform councillors and be part of this movement to restore Britain's prosperity, values, and pride."
Reaction from Reform UK Group Leader
Councillor Michael Gough, the leader of the Reform UK group on Solihull Council, welcomed Sharma's addition. Gough noted that Sharma, who also serves on the Economic Development, Managed Growth and Skills Scrutiny Board, would "strengthen" their group. He highlighted the timing as a boost ahead of the all-out local elections scheduled for May 7 in the borough.
Gough stated, "May 7th is not just about securing a majority in Solihull, which is an essential step, but also about building a team with vision and the ability to elevate our communities far and beyond the political stagnation that has left us all frustrated."
Potential Implications for Council Positions
It remains unclear whether the ruling Conservative group will move to oust Councillor Sharma from his position as vice chairman of the planning committee. Historically, council leader Councillor Karen Grinsell has taken action against defectors. Last year, she successfully removed two Reform defectors from their roles as heads of scrutiny boards, specifically the children's services and education scrutiny board and the stronger communities and neighbourhood services scrutiny board.
Councillor Sharma rarely chairs meetings of the vital planning committee, but at the last meeting, he stepped in briefly when usual chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell had to leave the room. This defection comes just ahead of a critical budget and council tax setting full council meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 26.
Current Political Landscape on Solihull Council
The Conservatives remain the ruling party on Solihull Council with 27 councillors. However, they now risk losing their grip on power if further defections occur, as an overall majority requires 26 seats. With Sharma's defection, there are now four Reform councillors on the authority.
The opposition parties on the council include:
- The Green Party with eight councillors
- The Liberal Democrats with eight councillors
- Three independent councillors
- One Labour councillor
This brings the total number of opposition councillors to 24. Council leader Councillor Karen Grinsell was contacted for comment regarding this latest development, but no response has been reported at this time.
