Former Worthing councillor switches from Conservatives to Reform UK

A former Conservative borough councillor in Worthing has joined Reform UK after leaving the party earlier this year to sit as an independent. Charles James, who represents Durrington Ward, said he believes Reform offers the solutions needed to address major national issues.

Reform UK said Councillor James had concluded that the Conservative Party had abandoned its core values, citing comments in which he criticised its record on Brexit, border control and taxation. The party described his decision as part of a growing trend of defections and said it highlighted what it called a need for political change at local and national levels.

Worthing Borough Council confirmed that Councillor James is now officially registered as a Reform UK councillor and will continue to represent residents in Durrington. Reform UK said it was pleased to welcome him, adding that it encourages others who share its aims to join.