Former Conservative leader in Rochdale joins Reform

Thursday, 24 July 2025 10:29

By George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter

Rochdale councillors John Taylor (left) and Jordan Tarrant-Short, who represent Reform UK

Reform UK now has its third Greater Manchester politician after the former Conservative leader in Rochdale joined their ranks.

Coun John Taylor has been sitting as an independent councillor since leaving the Tories last summer following a fallout with the group. This week he officially joined Reform, citing his decision to defect as ‘great disappointment with the establishment parties’.

The ward member for Wardle Shore and West Littleborough is now the third elected Reform councillor in Greater Manchester.

He joins fellow Rochdale councillor Coun Jordan Tarrant Short and Tameside’s Coun Allan Hopwood in the party led by Nigel Farage.

Coun John Taylor said: “I am delighted to have joined Reform UK. It has been a move I considered very carefully over several months and it has been far from a snap decision.

“Having said that, I am convinced that I have made the right decision both personally and for the good of our borough.

“Our borough deserves more from its elected members. Through Reform we have that opportunity and I will do everything possible to turn it into reality in both the next and subsequent local elections.

“We often hear people talking about ‘broken Britain’ and the same can be said of Rochdale. Only with Reform can we fix it.

“Labour shows no self-awareness when it comes to spending public money—throwing it at reckless net zero schemes, and always ignoring the taxpayer footing the bill. It’s time our residents got what they pay for: a government that works for them, not against them.

“A government that puts their interests first. That is what Reform will deliver.”

The trend of defections to Reform UK is one the party believes will continue to grow, which it says underscores the urgent need for real change in our political system, both locally and nationally.

Coun Taylor had been Conservative group leader for two years before being replaced by Coun Stephen Anstee in May 2024. He explained his reason for leaving was not because of the loss of position in the group, but the internal disputes in the lead up to the change and the aftermath.

The councillor previously served in the police for decades before his retirement in 2015. He had been a Conservative councillor for a large part of his six-year tenure and was their group leader from May 2022 up until May 2024 when Coun Anstee took his place.

His fellow Reform Councillor in Rochdale, Coun Jordan Tarrant-Short, added: “It’s an honour to have John Taylor join me on the council. He’s an experienced, high-calibre local politician, and I’m genuinely excited to work alongside him as the unofficial opposition to the current administration.

“With John by my side, I’m confident we’re in a strong position to make major gains in May 2026.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.