A councillor who has got national attention for appearing on TV has clarified his membership of Reform UK in an ongoing clash with the Liberal Democrats.
A councillor who gained national attention has clarified his membership of Reform UK amid a clash with the Liberal Democrats.
John Edwards, an Independent on Sandhurst Town Council in Bracknell Forest, admitted to being a member of Reform UK after introducing a motion to permanently fly the UK flag at Sandhurst Memorial Park, which was rejected by the council's policy committee.
While the Liberal Democrats celebrated this as a victory, Cllr Edwards insisted he had publicly declared his Reform membership. The Lib Dems claimed he was trying to politicise the Union Flag, stating, "Cllr Edwards was forced to admit that he is Reform’s Bracknell Forest campaign manager and a fully paid-up member of the party." They accused Reform of creating division within the community.
However, Cllr Edwards pointed out that he had expressed his support for Reform UK on social media and during a Talk TV broadcast. He has also appeared on GB News, discussing the resettlement of Afghan families in Bracknell, which led to an investigation by the council over allegations of stirring racial hatred.
Despite this, he maintains his position as an Independent councillor without directives from Reform UK. Responding to the Lib Dems, he questioned their claims, stating, "How have you ‘unmasked’ this when I’ve already publicly said twice that I’m a Reform member?" He also highlighted that his proposal for an official flag aimed to streamline flag displays without causing conflict.
Cllr Edwards concluded by expressing disappointment at what he perceives as a misrepresentation of his views by the Liberal Democrats.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
