Reform councillor defects to Conservatives

"He said he had raised "detailed concerns" with Reform about Warrington's ongoing financial issues, but emails had gone unanswered and the lack of focus on the town's "most pressing issues is disappointing". John Roddy said there had been "no serious engagement" from Reform about the scale of Warrington's financial position "or a credible local strategy to address it". "Reform lacks a credible team structure. They have headlines but no detailed local policy and no serious local economic plan," he said."

""shown integrity and seriousness in recognising the scale of Warrington's financial challenges and the need for a credible alternative opposition to the Liberal Democrats". "Holding a complex local authority like Warrington Borough Council to account requires detailed financial scrutiny, sustained policy work and a disciplined team. That is what both John and I will provide," he said. "John understands that Warrington needs robust challenge and a credible recovery plan, not protest politics."

John Roddy, elected as a Reform councillor at an August 2025 by-election, defected to the Conservatives. Roddy cited unanswered emails, no serious engagement from Reform about the scale of Warrington's financial position, and the absence of a credible local strategy or team structure. Reform stated Roddy was expelled after it came to the party's attention that he aimed to intentionally damage Reform UK’s interests. The defection increases the Conservatives to two councillors on a council led by Labour with the Liberal Democrats as opposition. Warrington Borough Council faces major financial challenges and obtained government permission to raise council tax by 7.5%. The Conservatives pledged detailed financial scrutiny and a credible recovery plan.

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