Blaenau Gwent gets first Reform UK councillor

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council now has its first Reform UK councillor after Cllr Jonathan Millard announced he has joined the party led by Clacton MP Nigel Farage.

Cllr Millard, who represents Ebbw Vale South, had been serving as a non-aligned Independent councillor before making the switch to Reform UK.

Speaking about his decision, Cllr Millard said: “I’m proud to announce I’ve joined Reform UK and become the first Reform UK councillor in Blaenau Gwent. For nearly seven years I’ve served Ebbw Vale South as a genuinely independent councillor – free from party whips – and delivered real results, including leading the campaign for fewer councillors and still working on a leaner local authority. But one independent voice on a Labour-dominated council can only achieve so much. After decades of Labour control in Blaenau Gwent and 26 years of the same tired administration in Cardiff Bay, our communities deserve better than excuses. Reform UK shares my belief that government must serve people, not the other way round. Their practical policies – cutting bureaucracy and waste, scrapping the blanket 20 mph limit, reviving industry and business growth, bringing jobs to Wales, putting Welsh families first in housing and the NHS – are exactly what our Valley needs. Together with Reform UK, we will deliver the change Blaenau Gwent has been crying out for.”

A Reform UK spokesman welcomed the news, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to Reform UK. He is an excellent addition to our growing team in Blaenau Gwent as we build towards the next Senedd and Westminster elections.”

Cllr Millard’s political journey has seen several changes. Originally elected in 2017, he left the ruling Independent group in November 2020 to form the Minority Independent group with three other councillors. He lost his seat at the May 2022 local election but returned in February 2024 after winning a by-election for Ebbw Vale South.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour councillor Carl Bainton in November 2023, who stepped down due to a clash between his work and council duties. Mr Bainton had been elected in May 2022 as an Independent but defected to Labour within days.

The council’s composition now stands at: Labour – 22 councillors, Opposition Independent group – nine councillors, Non-aligned – one councillor, Reform UK – one councillor. Total – 33 councillors.