Reform UK's first Leeds councillor after party move

Leeds has its first Reform UK councillor after an elected politician announced a switch to the surging right-wing party led by Nigel Farage.

- by James Connolly

Pudsey councillor Trish Smith has confirmed she's joined the party following "a great deal of reflection". It is the first time Reform has held a seat on Leeds City Council.

Coun Smith was originally elected as a Conservative in 2019 but quit the party last year to sit as an Independent, saying at the time that "you don't need to be in a party to represent people".

Now, after 12 months outside the party system, she said she has found a political home again - this time with Reform UK.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Coun Smith wrote: "Tonight, I'm proud to announce that I am joining Reform UK and becoming the party's first councillor on Leeds City Council.