Elton councillor Jack Rydeheard has quit the Conservatives and joined Reform UK, marking the party’s first seat on Bury Council.
The defection was confirmed this morning, Tuesday 7 October, and signals a growing presence for Reform in Greater Manchester politics.
Bury council’s Conservative leader has sensationally quit the party and joined Reform.
Councillor Jack Rydeheard, who represents Elton, only became leader of the six strong Conservative group in July.
He has joined Reform UK, saying that ‘the Conservative Party is over, only Reform can deliver the change Britain needs’.
The Tories in Bury have been rocked this year by resignation and defections.
Formerly the official opposition to Labour with 10 members, they now have just five after four other Tories quit the party in July.
Russell Bernstein, the previous leader of the Conservative group on Bury council before Coun Rydeheard, announced his resignation from the party, along with his deputy Jo Lancaster and councillors Dene Vernon and Luis McBriar.
Coun Jack Rydeheard has represented Elton on the council since 2022.
Following his election to Tory leader in July, Coun Rydeheard said he had a ‘clear vision to recommit the group to Conservative values and deliver
strong local opposition’.
Today, he said: “After spending a lot of time in deep reflection, and after almost ten years in the Conservative Party, I have taken the decision to join Reform UK.
“While the Conservative Party has moved far from what it once was, the membership and executive of Bury Conservatives is full of decent, ordinary people, a lot of whom I know share my concerns.
“Only Reform UK have a radical, bold plan for the country, which it so desperately needs, to tackle illegal immigration, to bring down legal migration numbers, end health tourism, and on a local basis, bring in a microscope on local government spending.”
Reform UK have today announced a number of defections and the same time the Conservatives hold their annual conference in Manchester.
A Reform spokesman said: “We’re delighted to have Jack on board.
“We welcome anyone who shares our vision for integrity, accountability, and meaningful change to join us.”
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