Sandwell Councillor Makes Third Political Switch in Four Years
Councillor David Wilkes, who represents the Princes End ward in Tipton, has resigned from the Labour Party to join the newly formed right-wing political group Advance UK. This move marks his third party affiliation change within just four years, having originally been elected as a Conservative councillor in 2022 before defecting to Labour in 2024.
A History of Political Movement
Wilkes secured his council seat in 2022 as a Conservative candidate, winning with 856 votes—a narrow margin of just 31 votes ahead of Labour. By early 2024, he had left the Conservative Party and joined Labour. Last September, Wilkes briefly announced on social media that he was leaving Labour to sit as an independent councillor, but he quickly deleted those posts and appeared to remain with Labour until this latest development.
In his deleted social media statement from September, Wilkes wrote: "I have made the difficult decision to resign my membership of the Labour Party. I joined the Labour Party believing their promises to change the country, but their promises have not been fulfilled. I can no longer support the way the party is governing." He added that he would sit as an independent, remaining committed to his local community.
Advance UK: A New Political Force
Advance UK was established last year under the leadership of Ben Habib, former deputy leader of Reform UK and a Brexit Party MEP. The party's website states that it "promotes and celebrates the nation's Christian constitution, roots, traditions, culture, and values." In a press release announcing Wilkes' defection, Habib welcomed him, saying: "David Wilkes is a councillor motivated not by careerism but by a genuine concern for his community and for the future of our country. He speaks for many who feel that the political class has stopped listening."
Wilkes' Reasons for the Switch
In his official statement, Wilkes cited immigration policies and a loss of trust in politics as key reasons for his move. He said: "I have watched successive governments allow immigration to rise to record levels, transforming towns like my own at a pace and on a scale that the public was never properly consulted on. That has led to a deep loss of trust in politics." He emphasized the need for a pause to rebuild social cohesion and restore overstretched services, adding that his primary motivation is his children's future.
Interestingly, Wilkes had recently voted in favour of Labour's 2026/27 budget at a full council meeting on February 24, describing it as "a good budget." This vote occurred shortly before his defection was announced.
Reactions from Local Leadership
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council, expressed disappointment at Wilkes' decision. She stated: "It is deeply disappointing that Cllr Wilkes has taken this decision. In May, residents of Sandwell and Princes End will face a clear choice, continued progress and stability with Labour, or a path of division under Reform and parties such as Advance UK. While others seek to divide communities and pit neighbour against neighbour, we remain focused on delivering for local people."
Wilkes' political journey continues to draw attention as he aligns with Advance UK, a party positioning itself as an alternative for those dissatisfied with mainstream politics. His defection highlights ongoing shifts in local political landscapes and the evolving dynamics within Sandwell's council.
