Reform councillor Caren Diamond leaves party to sit as independent on Havant Borough Council
Reform now has 9 councillors, still the largest group on the council
A Reform councillor has stepped away from the party and will now sit as an independent on Havant Borough Council.
Councillor Caren Diamond was elected to represent Purbrook on a Reform UK ballot in May this year, having joined the party from the Conservatives in January.
As she is now sitting as an independent councillor, Reform now has 9 councillors in Havant Borough. They are still the largest party on the council, however power is currently shared by the ‘rainbow coalition’ administration led by Labour (7 councillors), the Green Party (5 councillors), and the Liberal Democrats (5 councillors).
However the coalition is currently in turmoil after the central Labour party has said it will end power-sharing agreements with the Green Party on local councils, unless Green councillors disown the party's newly-adopted policy that Zionism is a form of racism.
Councillor Terry Norton, who represents the Purbrook & Stakes South ward for Reform, said: “Councillor Caren Diamond has now chosen to leave the Reform UK group and sit as an independent, a decision the group supports.
“Reform UK remains committed to active, visible representation. We expect our councillors to be present in their communities, deal effectively with residents’ casework, work constructively with colleagues and contribute to campaigning throughout the year. Those expectations remain central to our group’s work.
“We thank Councillor Diamond for her time with Reform and wish her all the best in her independent role. Our focus remains on delivering for the residents who elected us.”
Councillor Diamond declined to comment.