The governing Conservative group on North Yorkshire Council has seen its working majority slashed to just one following the defection of a long-serving councillor to Reform UK.
Councillor Karl Arthur, who had represented local divisions in the Selby area since 2017, announced his departure from the Conservatives after 33 years with the party. The move immediately reduces the ruling group's narrow buffer, putting it under increased scrutiny.
In explaining his decision, Cllr Arthur stated that he believed
“The Conservative Party is over. Only Reform can deliver the change Britain needs.”
He said that the values and policies of Reform UK now align more closely with his own than those of his former party, praising “The straight talking and charismatic leadership of Nigel Farage.”
Council Leader 'Disappointed'
The leader of North Yorkshire Council and the Conservative group, Councillor Carl Les, said he was “very disappointed” at Cllr Arthur’s departure, adding,
“I didn’t know anything about it until he made his announcement.”
However, Cllr Les maintained that the slender majority does not concern him. He was “not worried” about the change, explaining that much of the council’s business is done collaboratively.
“Many decisions of the council are taken on cross-party lines with the strength of the argument being the deciding factor,”
“We work with other parties, and other groups and even individual councillors.”
The defection has brought the total number of Reform councillors on the authority to three. A spokesperson for Reform UK welcomed the move, stating, “We’re delighted to have Karl on board,” and that they “welcome anyone who shares our vision for integrity, accountability, and meaningful change to join us.”
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