Reform councillor breaks silence over suspensions and internal party dispute

Killingbeck and Seacroft councillor David Dresser has issued a detailed statement explaining the circumstances surrounding his departure from Reform UK, revealing an internal dispute over election campaigning and candidate selection.

Councillor David Dresser has spoken publicly about the circumstances surrounding his resignation from Reform UK, following weeks of controversy.

Dresser and former Cross Gates and Whinmoor councillor Paula-Jane Thackray both resigned from the party after being suspended pending an internal investigation.

The pair subsequently announced the formation of a new political group, Leeds First Independents, before Thackray resigned from Leeds City Council altogether, citing the impact of online abuse on herself and her family.

In a new personal statement, Dresser has offered his account of the events leading to their suspensions, including disagreements over local election campaigning, candidate selection and the management of Reform UK’s local operations.

He has also rejected suggestions that their suspensions were connected to an ITV investigation involving Reform UK members.

East Side Story has reproduced his statement in full below.

Statement by David Dresser:

Following my recent resignation from Reform UK, I feel it is important to explain what happened and why I have made this decision.

My resignation, and that of Cllr Paula Thackray, had nothing to do with the ITV investigation into Reform members, our suspensions were reported as part of the same news cycle.

My suspension from Reform was revealed by a reporter who claimed the story had come from a councillor on Leeds City Council, given the wording of the report, I believe the source may have been a Reform Leeds councillor, although I cannot confirm this.

The lack of clarity surrounding our suspensions left both myself and Paula exposed to considerable online abuse, some of it deeply distressing. The impact extended beyond us and affected Paula’s family. The experience contributed to Paula’s decision to resign as a councillor.

The events leading to our suspensions began when I raised concerns about candidate selection for the Calverley and Farsley by-election and the proposed approach to next year’s local elections. I disagreed with aspects of how local candidates and their campaigns were being managed by the newly appointed campaign manager, Cllr Wenzdae Robbins, and her line manager, Steven Turner.

My concerns related to the level of direction being imposed on local campaigning, the emphasis on data collection and the use of generic campaign literature that, in my view, did not adequately reflect individual candidates or their communities.

I accept that coordinated campaigning is important, but I believed local candidates and volunteers should have a greater opportunity to contribute their knowledge and experience. My intention in raising these concerns was to express my disagreement with the approach being taken, not to create conflict.

Following the disagreement, both Paula and I were suspended. I believe the matter could have been handled internally, without the situation becoming public and exposing us to the level of scrutiny and abuse that followed.

Over recent weeks, correspondence has taken place in an attempt to resolve the matter and find a way forward but to no avail.

I remain committed to the promises I made when I was elected and to representing the residents of Killingbeck and Seacroft to the best of my ability. My focus now is on continuing that work and serving the community that placed its trust in me.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has offered support, encouragement and kind words during what has been a very difficult period. The kindness shown to me and Paula has meant a great deal, and I am sincerely grateful.

Cross Gates and Whinmoor faces fresh election

The statement comes as residents of Cross Gates and Whinmoor prepare to elect a new councillor following Thackray’s resignation.

The by-election is scheduled for Thursday 10 December 2026, giving residents another opportunity to choose their local representative just seven months after the previous local elections.

The latest developments follow a turbulent period for Reform UK in East Leeds, with the departures of David and Paula amid continuing questions over the circumstances surrounding their suspensions.

Dresser’s statement sets out his perspective on the dispute. However, the allegations concerning internal campaign management and the circumstances surrounding the suspensions have not been independently verified.

East Side Story will continue to follow developments as residents prepare to head to the polls.