City councillor leaves Reform after fellow member kicked out by party

An Exeter-based Reform UK politician has opted to quit the party and become an independent.

- by BRADLEY GERRARD

Councillors Ed Hill and Angie Nash are both now independents, having been elected as Reform UK candidates

Councillor Angie Nash, who represents the Wonford & St Loyes division on Devon County Council, said she had informed Reform UK's general secretary of her wish to leave the party and had also told council officials.

Cllr Nash said she would continue to represent her constituents as an independent councillor.

The move came after Reform UK confirmed the permanent expulsion of Cllr Ed Hill from the party because of its view on his actions linked to two recent issues.

It means Reform UK now has 16 members on Devon County Council compared with the 18 it secured in May's local elections. It remains the largest opposition party to the Liberal Democrats.

"My decision to resign has not been made lightly," Cllr Nash said. "Entering public life, I made a commitment to act with honesty, integrity and transparency.

"The Reform party claims to stand for fairness and accountability, but my experience has shown otherwise. To remain under the Exeter Reform banner would be to compromise my own principles, and the trust placed in me by the people I represent.

"My focus will remain on delivering for residents, supporting our communities and ensuring their voices are heard."