Janine GriffithsTwo East Leeds councillors have resigned from Reform UK following their suspension from the party and announced the formation of a new independent political group.
Councillor David Dresser, who represents Killingbeck and Seacroft, and Councillor Paula-Jane Thackray, who represents Cross Gates and Whinmoor, will now sit as members of Leeds First Independents.
Their departure follows an internal investigation launched by Reform UK, which confirmed that both councillors had been suspended.
However, the party has not publicly disclosed the reasons behind the suspensions.
The new group has already been recognised on Leeds City Council’s website, which lists Thackray as its leader and Dresser as deputy leader and whip.
Both councillors announced their resignations on social media, expressing regret over leaving Reform UK while reaffirming their commitment to the communities they represent.
In her statement, Thackray said: “It is with great regret that myself and Coun David Dresser, Killingbeck and Seacroft ward, have resigned from Reform UK.”
Dresser also shared a similar message, saying the decision had been made with “great regret.”
Despite leaving the party, both councillors have said they remain committed to serving residents in their respective wards.
Reform UK confirmed that the councillors had been suspended before announcing their departures.
A party spokesperson said: “Councillors Dresser and Thackray were suspended from Reform UK pending investigation.”
Leeds City Council has also confirmed that it received formal notification of the councillors’ decision to establish a separate political group.
A council spokesperson said: “The proper officer has received notification from councillor Dresser and councillor Thackray that they wish to be treated as a political group and known as the Leeds First Independent Group.”
The departures leave Reform UK with eight councillors on Leeds City Council, which has 99 elected members.
Labour remains the council’s largest political group, holding 46 seats, although it lost overall control at the last elections.
The changes in Leeds come as another Reform UK councillor, William Shaw, announced his departure from the party in Doncaster.
Shaw, who represents Conisbrough, said his decision was connected to the politically neutral positions he now holds through his council responsibilities.
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