A Reform UK councillor in Lancashire has defected to the Labour Party, becoming the first Reform councillor in the country to make the switch.
Nigel Swales, who represents Skelmersdale East on Lancashire County Council, announced his decision today (September 7), saying he had become concerned about Reform UK's ability to deliver for residents at a local level.
Councillor Swales, who was elected in 2025, said he entered politics to make a difference for the people he represents but had become disillusioned with the party run by Nigel Farage.
It comes following a tumultuous party conference for the right-wing outfit, which has had to launch an investigation into itself after undercover journalists recorded senior officials discussing how to circumvent UK electoral law by filtering foreign money into the party.
There were also ugly scenes at the conference when protesters were assaulted by other attendees, with them pulling the protesters' hair and hitting them in the head with walking sticks.
Farage also remains under investigation by Parliament after winning his by-election for an undeclared £5 million gift he received from billionaire Reform UK donor Christopher Harborne shortly before he became an MP.
Deputy leader Richard Tice is also under investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over an allegation he failed to declare an interest.
Cllr Swales said: “I stood for election because I wanted to make a difference for the people I represent.
“Since then, the party has been embroiled in scandal, and I’ve seen first-hand that Reform simply doesn’t have a serious plan or the leadership needed to deliver real change.
“People in Lancashire deserve representatives focused on getting things done rather than generating headlines, sowing division or playing political games.
“Labour is focused on the issues that matter to people here, jobs, better public services, safer communities and putting more money in people’s pockets.
“I’m proud to be joining the Labour Party and look forward to working with Labour colleagues to deliver for residents.
"That’s what politics should be about.”
The move is being hailed by Labour as a significant boost for the party in Lancashire, where it says it is focused on securing investment and improving public services.
A Labour North West spokesperson welcomed the councillor’s decision, describing it as a milestone moment.
They said: “We’re delighted to welcome Nigel Swales to the Labour Party.
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“This first defection from Reform to Labour speaks volumes, and we expect there will be many more.
“People who have seen Reform up close are discovering that behind the slogans there simply isn’t a serious plan for governing or improving people’s lives.
“Labour is bringing people together around a positive plan for Lancashire, focused on delivering the change that communities across the county deserve.”
Cllr Swales will now sit as a Labour councillor representing Skelmersdale East.
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