Overview

• GB News reported defections from over a dozen Conservative councillors across eight local authorities in a single day.
• Four councillors in Gravesham—Emma Elliott, Aaron Elliott, Gary Harding and David Beattie—announced switches, citing a need for a new direction.
• Additional names published by GB News included Paul Miller, Robbie Lammas, Barry Dunning, Cameron Adams, Duane Farr, Debbie Soloman, Denise Howard, Caroline Clapper, Brett Rosehill, Mark Whittington and Jack Rydeheard.
• Defectors issued a joint statement asserting that decades of broken promises eroded trust in established parties and that only Reform UK can deliver change.
• Asked about the departures, Conservative figure Kemi Badenoch said she wants people in her party for the right reasons.