Local Councillor Defects to Reform UK Party

The former leader of the Conservatives on Reading Borough Council has defected to Reform UK.

The former leader of the Conservatives on Reading Borough Council has defected to Reform UK.

Councillor Clarence Mitchell, who represents the Emmer Green ward in Caversham, became the party’s first councillor in the borough following his defection on Wednesday, January 14.

Mitchell has lived in Reading for five years. He was first elected in 2021 for the now-abolished Peppard ward and was re-elected as a Conservative for Emmer Green in the all-out elections in 2022, receiving 1,380 votes — the highest of any candidate in the ward.

He led the Conservative group on the council until cllr Raj Singh (Conservative, Kentwood) took over in 2024. Mitchell is a former newspaper and broadcast journalist and runs a public relations and communications consultancy from his home in Caversham. He lives with his long-term partner, Nikki, who is a recruitment manager in Reading town centre.

Commenting after his defection, Cllr Clarence Mitchell said: “I am delighted to be joining Reform UK today as a councillor to restore patriotism and purpose back into Reading.

“Having been a member of the Conservative Party for 16 years, I now believe that Reform UK is the only party that can truly represent and fight for the authentic values that are fundamental to our country’s recovery and its restoration of pride.

“Many voters have lost all faith in our politics, and they feel deeply let down that their concerns are not being listened to such as the cost of living, illegal immigration, the rise of woke-ism and an ever-encroaching level of State interference.

“Nationally, I believe Reform UK is the only party which has the credible vision, energy and sense of purpose to reset Westminster’s relationship with the British people for the better.

“Locally, I will play my part in that restoration of public trust in politics by continuing to serve my ward residents diligently with the integrity and commitment that I always have.”

Welcoming Cllr Mitchell, a Reform UK spokesman said: “Clarence is an asset to Reform UK and the people of Reading. We are delighted that he is joining us as a councillor to add to our expanding team.”

The move comes as the Conservatives have been losing ground in Reading since 2022. They were previously the main opposition with 10 councillors but suffered a net loss of four seats after the 2022 all-out elections, with the Green Party becoming the main opposition group. The Conservatives then lost one seat each in Caversham Heights and Emmer Green in the 2023 and 2024 local elections.

Cllr Mitchell’s defection means the council is now made up of 32 Labour councillors, seven Greens, three Conservatives, three Liberal Democrats, Cllr Mitchell for Reform UK and Cllr Sarah Hacker (Independent, Battle).

Reacting to the news, cllr Dave McElroy (Green, Redlands), his party’s candidate during the 2024 general election, said: “The Greens are already the main opposition in Reading, so are clearly the best choice for anyone looking to defeat Reform and/or punish Labour for their low-fat Farage impression.

“We don’t need another party punching down on migrants and minorities while accepting crazy donations from foreign companies and billionaires.

“We’re focused on leaving Reading (let alone the planet) a better place for our kids. The town has been more or less under Labour control since the 80s. The best way to defeat Reform is to get rid of those responsible for the state of our borough.

“Green politics is built on hope, rather than fear; there is a real alternative to Reform and Labour in Reading, you can support the Green Party!

“So If you care about fair pay for a hard day’s work, whether you and your kids are able to own your own homes – that sort of thing – then you’ve got to hit them where it hurts by joining the Greens (https://join.greenparty.org.uk/).”

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter