**Two Llandudno Councillors Leave Conservatives for Reform UK, Citing National ‘Stagnation’**
In a notable shift on the Welsh political scene, two Conwy councillors have announced their defection from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the current state of national affairs and their former party’s direction. The move, confirmed this week, sees Louise Emery, representing Gogarth Mostyn ward, and Tom Montgomery, councillor for Tudno, join the ranks of the right-leaning Reform UK, currently led by Nigel Farage.
Both councillors, who have long served Llandudno’s residents, have cited persistent frustration with what they characterise as the country’s “stagnation,” an accusation levelled at both recent Conservative and Labour governments. Their statements underscore a wider trend of political realignment in the UK, particularly among those disillusioned by mainstream parties’ policies and leadership.
Councillor Emery, who has been active in local politics for eight years, described her decision to move as “not taken lightly.” She stressed her longstanding commitment to the area, stating that her enthusiasm for championing local concerns remains unchanged. Emery told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that she is “more driven than ever to deliver for residents and businesses,” but expressed exasperation at the status quo, describing Britain as “declining and in need of a shake up.”
Interestingly, Emery’s criticism extended in both directions. She was forthright in her assessment of her former party, insisting, “I am tired of defending the legacy of the Conservative Government – they weren’t good enough.” She also made clear her concern for the first year of Labour’s administration, adding, “I am horrified at the first year of Labour Government.” Her conviction, she said, is that only Reform UK, with what she called its “common-sense policies,” can restore the country’s footing.
The practical issues facing her ward also played a role in her decision. Emery drew attention to policies she believes will help revitalise Llandudno and its businesses, including scrapping business rates for small enterprises and opposing the introduction of a tourism tax. Wider measures in the Reform manifesto, such as overhauling social care, revising the school curriculum, tightening council spending, incentivising employment, and introducing stricter migration controls, were all cited as reasons for her switch.
Despite the political rift, Emery extended thanks to her former Conservative colleagues in Conwy, describing them as “good people who work hard for their residents.” She confessed to feeling pride in what the group had achieved as an opposition and voiced her gratitude for the support they had shown her in recent years.
Councillor Tom Montgomery echoed many of his colleague’s frustrations in his own statement, describing a sense of being “let down” by Conservative leadership over several years. Listing “failed promises, higher taxes and scandals” as sources of disillusionment, Montgomery shared that, if asked to vote in a general election now, he could not support the Tories. “If I can’t even convince myself that the Tories can deliver the change we need, then how can I continue to represent them?” he asked.
Montgomery, like Emery, remained complimentary of his fellow Conservative councillors, acknowledging their commitment and wishing them well. He emphasised that, although he is changing political affiliation, his dedication to the people of Tudno remains steadfast. “I will continue to serve as a councillor for Tudno ward. This change will not stop me continuing to fight for my ward, town, and community,” he stated, inviting residents to contact him should they wish to discuss his defection and future plans.
Both councillors have identified key Reform UK priorities – including tax cuts, reform of social care funding, reducing government waste, and stricter immigration controls – as aligned with their desire for meaningful change, both locally and nationally. Their statements suggest a growing appetite within some sections of Welsh local government for alternatives to established Westminster parties.
The departures will undoubtedly pose fresh challenges for the local Conservative group in Conwy and may reflect a broader sentiment among grassroots Tories facing a period of political uncertainty. As the political landscape in Wales continues to evolve, the decisions of Emery and Montgomery will be watched closely by both supporters and critics of Reform UK.
The coming months are likely to reveal whether this bold switch inspires further defections or signals a broader shift in political loyalties across local councils in Wales, at a time when many voters are seeking answers to persistent economic and social issues. For now, Emery and Montgomery say their focus will remain squarely on serving their constituents and advocating for the changes they believe will benefit their community and country.