Reform UK has been plunged into chaos in Sunderland, after its newly elected ward councillor confirmed he is no longer a party representative, just a few months since being voted in.
Cllr Ian McKinley, who was elected at the end of November in a by-election triggered following the death of Labour ward councillor and former deputy council leader Claire Rowntree, has confirmed he is now sitting as an independent councillor having only attended one Full Council meeting representing Reform.
Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland Labour Group, said the move was “damning and shameful” and reflected a “shambolic mess of a party”.
Cllr Mordey said: “Vote for Reform and God only knows what you’re going to get. They have no policies, so all they can do is spout decisive rhetoric and attack minority groups. It’s a total mess and Reform UK should come clean with the people of Sunderland as to why their only councillor has quit their party mere weeks after being voted in.
“Cllr McKinley’s decision to quit Reform UK proves to me that we can’t risk the future of our city by electing any more Reform novices. Of the two we have had, one didn’t turn up and was voted out of office and the second has only lasted weeks. Sunderland deserves better than Reform chaos. Only by electing Labour councillors on May 7th can we ensure we have grown ups running the city.
“Sunderland is a city on the up – don’t let Reform UK chaos hold us back.”