Nigel Farage's Reform UK gets first Nottinghamshire councillors after party switch
Nigel Farage's Reform UK has gained its first Nottinghamshire councillors after three Mansfield politicians switched parties. Ashfield MP Lee Anderson says the defections are a "peek into what's to come" ahead of local elections in May 2025.
Nottinghamshire's first Reform councillors have all switched from the Mansfield Independents party. The Mansfield Independents, formerly known as the Mansfield Independent Forum, was previously a significant force in Nottinghamshire politics.
The party controlled Mansfield District Council for years and ended up being part of the coalition governing Nottinghamshire County Council in 2017 after the Tories failed to gain overall control. The party's influence has waned more recently, with just three Mansfield Independent councillors left on the district council following the last local elections.
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All those three have now announced that they have joined Reform UK. Lee Anderson greeted the three councillors outside Mansfield District Council's headquarters on Friday (October 25) alongside Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader.
The three defecting councillors are Councillor Barry Answer, Councillor Martin Wright and Councillor Mick Barton. Councillor Barton formerly led the Mansfield Independents but will now form a Reform UK group on Mansfield District Council.
Councillor Barton said: "After several meetings and much discussion we are looking forward to working with members and local residents as we aim to make a difference both nationally and locally. The political landscape has changed so we have to change with it in order to serve our constituents to the fullest.
"We have had great support from local residents we've spoken with and were encouraged to make this move and can only visualise the support growing in the future. I have been a local councillor for 21 years and bring a lot of experience from the roles I've undertaken within the local council and know what's needed.
"We are keen to see and help the Mansfield Reform branch grow." Other Reform UK branches already established in Nottinghamshire include the Bassetlaw branch, currently being led by Frank Ward, father of East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward.
Nigel Farage recently wrote to every Conservative councillor standing in the May 2025 local elections to switch to Reform. Ashfield MP Lee Anderson shared the news and said he expected local defections "very soon."
Mr Anderson said: "I am delighted that Mick, Barry and Martin have decided to get on board with the people's army. Councillors from all over the country are joining us because they know that Reform UK is the only party that is taking the fight to Labour and Keir Starmer.
"This is just a peek into what's to come as droves of Reform UK councillors are elected by the British people in May 2025. Let this be a warning to both the Labour and Conservative Party; we are coming for you."
The May 2025 elections will see votes taking place at councils across the country, though Nottinghamshire County Council will be the only authority in our area affected. The council is currently led by the Conservatives, which won an overall majority at the last election for the first time since 2009.